Be energy savvy

Be energy savvy as the winter weeks get well underway.

As the winter months creep up and the dark nights make their appearance, The Haven Wolverhampton is advising people to get energy savvy and not to get caught in the fuel-poverty trap.

Since June 2013, The Haven Wolverhampton has been running a Fuel Poverty Project due to support from the Scottish Power Energy People Trust, that has seen some of the most vulnerable people across Wolverhampton receive help.  Women who have experienced domestic violence and financial abuse have been supported through the charity’s services and a Fuel Poverty Development Officer.

Women who have experienced Domestic Violence and have fallen into the poverty trap are advised by the Fuel Poverty Officer as well as given guidance and access to services around; understanding utility plans and bills, budgeting and planning as well as receiving assistance with grant relief to reduce fuel debt.  Preventative measures are also put in place with the worker advising on energy saving tips and appropriate insulation schemes.  The key aims of this project are to help women develop their knowledge, have the confidence and ability to manage fuel as well as budget for future financial independence.

Interim reports indicate that The Haven has so far supported over 140 women and their children who had been referred to its services and managed by the charity’s Fuel Poverty Development Officer.

This project will run until May 2015

Charity benefits from exclusive match funding

Charity benefits from exclusive match funding

The Haven Wolverhampton is excited to announce that all donations made to the charity between 4 and 6 December on The Big Give website will be matched.

The Haven Wolverhampton is one of twenty charities selected by the Garfield Weston Foundation to have all of its donations matched during the Big Give Christmas Challenge.

This will run from 10am on Thursday 4th December and will run until Saturday 6th 2014. The challenge will open at 10.00 am each day and will remain open for a limited time until funds for that day run out.

Only donations made through The Big Give site will be matched meaning if you donate £10, the money will be matched and the charity will end up with £20 at no extra cost to the donor. All donations must be processed on-line by visiting http://goo.gl/wbGqto

People donating to The Haven Wolverhampton can select which area they would like to donate funds to out of four carefully selected projects running at The Haven:

Children & Young People’s ServicesOur Children & Young People’s Services Team offer a range of support services for the children that come into our refuges. Therapeutic play, workshops, one-to-one sessions and group therapy sessions are carried out according to the needs of each child.

Emergency FundOur ‘Emergency Fund’ allocates small grants to families most in need, who can’t secure funds from elsewhere, for essential everyday items such as white goods, bedding and food vouchers. A grant can make a real difference to women and children wishing to start a new life away from fear and abuse.

The Haven Hub
Our capital appeal will help us create a central base for activities and a place for service users to re-gain confidence. The Hub will play host to educational workshops, recreational activities, and therapies to support a positive wellbeing.

Supporting victims of domestic abuse
The Haven offers a variety of services tailored to the needs of our service-users improving well-being, developing skills and ultimately supporting them to gain independence. Raising funds to support our core functions is essential. Just £2 pays for a call to our helpline whilst £50 could pay for two play therapy sessions for a child, £100 could pay for an independent advisor to provide specialist advice and £250 could furnish a room in refuge.

The Haven Christmas Toy Appeal

Charity asks local people to help spread Christmas Cheer to 

Women and Children affected by Domestic Violence.

The Haven Wolverhampton launches its annual Christmas Appeal to put a smile on the faces of those children living in its refuges.

For over forty years, The Haven Wolverhampton has been supporting women and children who have experienced Domestic Violence and Abuse.  During the Christmas period, there are often up to 100 homeless and traumatised children in Haven refuges.  Whilst this time of year is meant to be special, unfortunately for these children it is an emotional and traumatic time where they have had to leave their home to find a place of peace and safety.  With a little help from you, your family, colleagues and friends we can help make Christmas a special time, one that they remember and help them build new memories.  Schools, colleges, community and church groups and corporate organisations can all get involved.                                             

This year, we are asking you to make a special effort as our charity struggles with huge cuts in funding. The Haven’s annual toy appeal run from Monday 1st December - Friday 19th December.  People are being asked to buy an extra toy for children who have experienced the effects of domestic violence, homelessness or abuse. Cash donations are also welcomed as these assist with taking children to pantomimes and shows over the festive period.  Alternatively people can donate on-line through www.bit.ly/thehavenwishlist or www.bit.ly/thehavenbiggive.  

Commenting on The Haven’s Christmas Appeal, Hayley Edwards, Marketing and Publicity Officer said “Being in refuge during Christmas is a difficult and traumatic time for children.  We are very grateful for the support we receive through donations from the community and with these we aim to make it more of an enjoyable experience by allowing the children the same opportunities as others, to have fun and enjoy the festive period. We hope people in and around Wolverhampton will be as generous as they have been in previous years. Even a small donation could help to make Christmas that bit brighter for these children.”

   

If you would like to donate please call Laura/Charlie/Jade on 01902 572126.

Alternatively drop into 103 Salop Street between 9am and 3.30pm    

The Haven Christmas Charity Event

The Haven Wolverhampton receives support from local Christmas Inspired Event.

Wolverhampton based domestic violence and abuse charity, The Haven Wolverhampton is pleased to announce that it will benefit from the support of a Christmastime event organised and hosted by Wolverhampton based WV Inspired and sponsored by local Solicitors firm, FBC Manby Bowdler and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.

The event, for which tickets are FREE, is taking place on Wednesday 3rd December in the WV1 Restaurant and Bar at The Molineux Stadium from 5pm-8.30pm.  

There will be lots of activities taking place throughout the evening.  Exhibitors including hair, beauty, professional services and luxury gifts along with a range of therapists will be on hand to offer taster pamper sessions including massage, facials, reflexology and Reiki.  Clarins experts from Nicholas Davis Hair & Beauty will share tips on winter day to night make up trends, while Style Your Soul image consultant Sue Horne will be presenting and motivator Liz Keaney will speak about ‘How to be a Warrior Woman’.  A charity raffle and silent auction will also be taking place on the evening and a festive V.I.P. will be on hand to give the first 150 women to attend a free pamper goody bag.

With so much on offer why not take advantage of this special evening – take the opportunity to make it a night out and make some important Christmas purchases for your family and friends.

Senior Fundraising & Grants Officer, Laura Blackham, said “The Haven is delighted to be part of such a fabulous event and we are honoured that we have been selected to be the chosen charity to receive the proceeds from what promises to be a great night”.

Organiser Charlotte Clode, Associate Solicitor at FBC Manby Bowdler, added “The Haven Christmas Gift Appeal 2014 is a great cause and the money we raise will go towards buying gifts and toys to give children, who are in Haven refuges as a result of domestic abuse, a brighter Christmas. As we gear up for the busy Christmas season, we thought women would appreciate an event where they can relax over some Christmas gift shopping and be pampered for a couple of hours – all the time helping to generate important funds for a very worthwhile local charity.”

For those wishing to attend the evening please note that tickets should be booked in advance by going to www.charitypamperevening.eventbrite.co.uk

For any women wishing to exhibit on the evening booking forms can be obtained from Charlotte Clode at FBC Manby Bowdler by emailing C.Clode@fbcmb.co.uk.

Charity puts Domestic Violence and Abuse on the agenda

Charity puts Domestic Violence and Abuse on the agenda

The Haven Wolverhampton has announced new dates for three key training sessions that will help agencies throughout the region put Domestic Violence on the agenda and develop professional skills that will allow them to manage their client base more effectively.

The training sessions are:

Children and Young People Living with Domestic Violence: Impact of taking on the Carer Role - Wednesday 19th November 2014 - £45.

According to research conducted by YouGov on behalf of the charity 4Children, almost one million children in Britain are affected by domestic abuse, either as victims or witnesses.

This session is aimed at individuals and professionals working with children and young people who may be looking after their mother or younger siblings as a result of Domestic Violence taking place within the home.  The training originated through the 3 year Comic Relief funded project ‘Who Cares 4 Me?’

Upon completing this training session, attendees will:

• Be able to identify a young-carer.
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of young carers.
• Understand the impact of domestic violence and abuse on young carers.
• Know how to support children and young people who are carers.

The session will start with registration at 9am and finish at approximately 1pm followed by lunch.

Financial Abuse in the context of Domestic Violence/Abuse

- Thursday 27th November 2014 - £45

Financial abuse is often not considered a form of Domestic Abuse – but it can in fact have a devastating effect on the victim, their family and future economic stability. The training was designed following a 3 year project funded by The Nationwide Foundation and aims to equip management and frontline staff with the knowledge and understanding of financial abuse in order to support women who feel ‘they cannot afford to leave.’

 

This session is aimed at professionals and agencies who work with individuals at risk or experiencing financial abuse within their relationship. The session includes demonstration of the Havens online Financial Capability toolkit.

Upon completing this training session, attendees will:

• Understand the term Financial Abuse and recognise the symptoms and its impact.
• Be able to place Financial Abuse in the context of Domestic Violence and Abuse.
• Explore the problems and barriers experienced by individuals.
• Explore solutions towards best working practices.
• Understand how The Haven Financial Capability Tool can be used to assess an individual’s financial situation.

Multi-agency Domestic Violence Awareness Training Day

– 3rd December 2014 - £50

This training is suitable for frontline workers who work directly with clients affected by Domestic Violence/Abuse or Managers and HR professionals who would like to widen their understanding of Domestic Violence and Abuse and its impact.  

Upon completing this training session, attendees will:

• Be aware of Domestic Violence and abuse.
• Understand the myths and stereotypes around Domestic Violence.
• Recognise good working practice.
• Understand diversity issues surrounding Domestic Violence.

Look out for further training dates in 2015, including ‘Devising a Workplace Domestic Violence Policy for  Managers and HR Professionals and for front line staff  ‘good practice in early risk identification, intervention and prevention and use of DASH Risk Assessment’.

All training sessions will be held at The Workspace, All Saints, Wolverhampton.  To book your place on these sessions or for further details, please contact Alison Worton-Jones on 01902 572128 or email training@havenrefuge.org.uk.

Charity leads the way in digital learning for people experiencing financial difficulties

Charity leads the way in digital learning for people experiencing financial difficulties

The Haven Wolverhampton has today (25th September 2014) announced the launch of its on-line Financial Stability Advice Tool that will allow victims of economic abuse to gain financial freedom.

On the back of the success of the charity’s ‘Moving on through Economic Empowerment’ project that saw 150 women across Wolverhampton being supported, a brand new on-line digital tool unique to The Haven Wolverhampton is now available to individuals and agencies working with individuals who have experienced financial abuse.

The brand new Financial Stability Advice Tool funded by The Money Trust has been developed by the charity’s Financial Inclusion Team and builds on the financial capability sessions that had been previously run by the charity for victims of financial and economic abuse. It has been designed with a view to aiding victims of financial abuse to become more aware of their own finances, help them become more finance-savvy and gain confidence about making financial decisions.

By launching the tool, the charity aims to demonstrate to people that it is doing everything in its reach to support those who have experienced financial abuse and help them to: regain financial control, get the appropriate support and build stable futures for themselves and their families.  People will be able to access the tool from the comfort of their own homes to learn about complex concepts such as ‘What is APR?’ as well as understand more fully the Universal Credit system and how they can overcome financial barriers and avoid payday lending schemes. The tool will also be a valuable addition to the kitbag of those agencies and professionals working with people affected by Financial Abuse.

It is anticipated that the tool will be widely used by many people and sights are set by the charity to develop an ‘app’ for young people so that they understand the importance of budgeting and prevent the future reliance on loan companies.   

Upon announcing the launch, Rani Kaur, Lead for Community and Advocacy at The Haven said “We are excited to have developed the financial capability tool and aim to empower women with the financial awareness they need to sustain their property agreements following financial abuse.  We also encourage external agencies to become familiar with the tool so that they are more equipped to recognise whether their clients are in a financially abusive situation.”

If you would like to find out how the Financial Stability Advice Tool can help you or help your clients speak to a member of our Financial Inclusion Team on 01902 572145.

The Haven sends out SOS

The Haven women’s refuge is sending out an SOS signal today, urging the local authority, funders and community groups to commit to supporting specialist delivery of expert services for women and children survivors of domestic violence. The service has joined a nationwide campaign run by Women’s Aid in response to a crisis in our network of women’s refuges caused by devastating budget cuts.

The Haven is raising awareness that nationally we already don’t have enough specialist services to meet the needs of women and children who are homeless and experiencing domestic violence.

New research released today by Women’s Aid for the launch of the SOS campaign reveals a severe shortfall in the number of refuge spaces available, as well as broad public support for a national response to close the gap:

• The West Midlands is one of the stronger regions in terms of providing bed spaces, with four-fifths of the refuge spaces required. The region currently has 452 bed spaces, but needs 567: a shortfall of 20% [1].
• Six in ten (61%) voters feel the Government should do more to preserve the national network of domestic violence refuges for women and children [2].
• Nearly six in ten (59%) voters feel the government should do more to ensure funding support for women and children who have experienced domestic violence [3].

Kath Rees, CEO at The Haven

“Two women a week are killed by a partner or ex-partner, and at The Haven we have worked for over 40 years to protect women in the region from perpetrators of domestic violence, to help women and children live full lives free from the fear of violence and try to prevent these murders. Male victims are also supported by The Haven through a partnership with St George’s Charity. However, cuts and gruelling commissioning practices across the country are leading to refuges and services closing and women and children being left at risk. We are sending an SOS today to our local council and supporters to urge them to protect services here so we can continue to play our part in the vital national network of domestic violence services. If you can help by fundraising for The Haven, please contact Laura on 01902 572134.”

Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid said:

“Perpetrators of domestic violence will do everything they can to control their victim, which is why specialist support services are essential to help women escape and build independent lives. A national network of support services, which allows women to get help locally or escape the area, is essential to protecting women and children. This is why we are sending out the SOS signal together, and we urge the local authority to make a commitment to ensuring that the West Midlands will play its part in protecting vulnerable women and children across the country.”

About the SOS campaign

Women’s Aid is sending out an SOS Signal - urging councils and the public to help us Save Refuges to Save Lives.

The charity is calling for:

• central Government to commit to a national funding solution for specialist domestic violence services.
• local commissioners to commit to delivering specialist and expert services for women survivors of domestic violence.
• the public to sign the SOS petition and to send their SOS signal through Twitter.

Going sky-high for charity

Going sky-high for charity

Kiran is set to take to the skies for a 10,000 feet sky-dive all in the name of charity – The Haven Wolverhampton.

Twenty year old Kiran Chander Bhardwaj, a Claims Handler at Wolverhampton based Equity in Finance Ltd, faces her first sky-dive in Nottingham on Saturday 9th August.  She will be doing a tandem sky-dive from 10,000 feet with a qualified instructor from Somerset based Click and Jump who have over 30 years’ experience in sky-diving.

No formal training is required for the sky-dive but all safety instructions will be given to Kiran on the day when she will in her own words be having an “exhilarating experience everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy.”

Commenting on her decision to donate all funds raised to The Haven, Kiran said “The Haven is an organisation that I believe in and that it should receive all the support it can for their very worthy goal.”

Hayley Edwards Marketing and Publicity Officer at The Haven added “Given the current climate of The Haven’s funding potentially being drastically reduced, donations are gratefully appreciated and the lengths that supporters go to to raise funds for The Haven is amazing.  Any monies that we receive are spent very wisely to ensure that we can deliver services to our service-users.

Kiran has a target of £500 to reach and is currently making good headway. Anyone wishing to donate to Kiran’s skydive can do so by visiting http://www.bmycharity.com/thehaven.

The Haven Summer Appeal

The Sun has got its hat on - let the children play and be free from Domestic Violence

The Haven Wolverhampton asks the people and business of Wolverhampton to donate towards their Summer Appeal that will help children make new memories and friends along the way.

Over the Summer months, The Haven will support up to 100 children across its refuge service. In order to keep the children and young people in our care active, engaged and occupied The Haven produces a programme of summer play for all the children to enjoy.  

Play, fun and laughter are always high on the Summer Play Programme agenda with a view to helping to re-build the children’s confidence and making the experience of refuge as enjoyable as possible and make it a Summer to remember for all the right reasons.  Our Children’s and Young People’s Team organise a range of activities such as art and craft workshops, book clubs, cooking competitions, sports days and outings to leisure centres, themes parks and museums.

To be able to implement this programme The Haven needs your help! We appeal for donations of new games and toys, tickets to local attractions and even financial donations which will enable the children to visit and engage in events taking place across the UK.  For example, £10.00 would provide a swim session for 8 children or a game of bowling for 4 children. People may have contacts within various services that could provide concessionary or discounted tickets to attractions.

Hayley Edwards Marketing & PR Office at The Haven says “Every donation that we receive is greatly appreciated.  It is important to us that we give those children who are living in temporary accommodation the chance to relax, laugh, joke and have fun. The support we receive helps to provide a stable and safe environment and works towards helping these children re-build their lives after domestic violence.”

To make a donation and arrange delivery call 01902 572173 or email hayleye@havenrefuge.org.uk for more information.

The Grand Lands Midlands Premiere Of The Bodyguard

SMASH HIT WEST END MUSICAL
THE BODYGUARD
AT WOLVERHAMPTON GRAND THEATRE

PUBLIC ONSALE DATE: FRIDAY 18 JULY AT 10AM

Michael Harrison and David Ian are delighted to announce that Thea Sharrock’s hit production of THE BODYGUARD will embark on a national tour which will include Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tuesday 21 April – Saturday 2 May 2015.

Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. film, THE BODYGUARD has a book by Alex Dinelaris and opened at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End in December 2012, where it continues to play to packed houses and standing ovations. It was nominated for four Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Musical and Best Set Design.

Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. A romantic thriller, THE BODYGUARD features a host of irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, I’m Your Baby Tonight, Run to You, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and one of the greatest hit songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.

THE BODYGUARD is produced by Michael Harrison and David Ian.

Casting will be announced at a later date.

Lady Rollers swop their skates and rink for trainers and mud

A group of Wolverhampton ladies have opted to ditch their skates and don their trainers to face the gruelling challenge of the five-mile JCB Mud Run in aid of The Haven Wolverhampton.

Representatives from The Wolverhampton Honour Rollers will be heading down to the JCB Mud Run on Saturday 5th July at the JCB estate in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside.  The JCB Mud Run is definitely not for the feint hearted – it is a physical, muddy and very challenging course that will see people trudging through a series of obstacles including a mud slide, a hay stack and a giant concrete pipe buried in the undergrowth.

The group facing the challenge is made up of ladies from a range of professions, but all with one common aim in mind – to raise funds for The Haven Wolverhampton.  Some have experienced the Mud Run before, whilst for others this will be their first time.  Though none of them are strangers to a challenge or tough competition.  The Wolverhampton Honour Rollers Derby team is the City’s first and only flat track roller derby league team and over the past few months have taken part in Roller Derby matches across the county to raise funds for The Haven.   

On supporting The Haven, Nik Sephton commented, “The Wolverhampton Honour Rollers Team is a community in itself and we want to contribute something to a local cause within the wider Wolverhampton community.  We chose The Haven Wolverhampton for this very reason – they are a Wolverhampton based charity that help so many people across the city to escape domestic violence and abuse and with the threat of funding cuts to such vital services fundraising efforts are needed more than ever."

The team has a target of £500 to raise and is making good headway in reaching this target.  Anyone wishing to sponsor them can donate on-line at https://www.justgiving.com/WolverhamptonHonourRollersMudRun2014/.

Hayley Edwards, Marketing and PR Officer for The Haven said “The Wolverhampton Honour Rollers never cease to show us their commitment.  Over the past few months they have demonstrated a huge amount of support to The Haven by selling our merchandise at bouts as well as donating funds from cake sales to name a few.  The JCB Mud Run is an incredibly tough course but we are sure that they will do us proud and finish in great style.”

Child Mentors Required in Wolverhampton

Fun-loving and dedicated individuals required to work on city-wide project

Could you be a child mentor volunteer working with children across Wolverhampton?

Wolverhampton city-wide initiative “Wolverhampton Improving Futures” works with children between the ages of 5-11 years old with a primary aim to prevent them from developing anti-social behaviour and instead steer them in the direction of achieving their full potential.

Working with a number of agencies across Wolverhampton, including The Haven, the project offers children the support and life skills they need to increase their self-esteem, self-confidence and improve their behaviour and achieve their full potential. Each child is offered an individually tailored one to one mentoring programme with a carefully screened, trained and supervised adult volunteer mentor.  Volunteer mentors work on a 1-2-1 basis, spending between 2 – 4 hours per week over a 12 month period on a programme of activities. 

Jennifer Edwards, Improving Futures Officer at The Haven said “Mentoring a young person is a fun, rewarding and at times challenging experience, but we ensure that volunteers access training, regular supervision and 1-2-1 support so that they get the best experience possible.  We carefully match all our volunteer mentors to children who need someone who can listen, support and most importantly engage them in a range of fun, creative, varied activities.”

If you think that you could offer a few hours to help a child to improve their future call now more for information or to sign up to the next Training Programme.  This 3 day course covers relationship building, boundary setting, solution focused techniques and safeguarding and offers a comprehensive introduction to the mentoring programme. 

For more information on the Wolverhampton Improving Futures project contact Mandy Smith, Wolverhampton Improving Futures - Programme Manager at asmith@wolverhamptonvsc.org.uk    / 01902 328977 or jennifere@havenrefuge.org.uk   / 07738764669.

Dust the BBQ off and get cooking for charity

Dust the BBQ off and get cooking for charity

With summer virtually here and long warm summer nights on the horizon, now is the time to brush the dust off the BBQ and get grilling all in the good name of charity.

Summer is just one reason to have fun and have a BBQ but we can give you lots more reasons – 185 in fact.  That’s the number of families that The Haven Wolverhampton is currently working with who are or who have experienced Domestic Violence.

To raise awareness of this as well as vital funds we are calling to the people of Wolverhampton to dust off their BBQs, don an apron and cook up treats for friends and family. There are many things that people can do – for instance, asking people to make a donation for their food and refreshments, if there are children why not paint their faces for a small charge or people can simply TEXT BBQS14 to 70070 followed by the amount they wish to donate? All funds raised will help us continue to deliver our vital work supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse and homelessness.

Michaela Hodges Donor Development Assistant said “Getting involved in The Haven’s Summer BBQ Appeal is a great reason for a get-together with family and friends.  There are lots of ways that people can get involved and they can make it as easy or as innovative as they wish.”

It really is easy.  Register now for your free Big BBQ Fundraising Pack and we will send you everything you need to make yours a success.  The pack is filled with information, advice, tips and materials to help make your BBQ a success. To request a fundraising pack just get in touch - email donordevelopment@havenrefuge.org.uk or call 01902 572126 for more information and to request materials.