Holly Smart

Latest

What is it really like in refuge?

Our clients do understand what it’s like to be in this situation and often try to look after each other, Many of our clients become good friends and stay in touch after they leave.
Why refuge and how to refer yourself...

Refuge is a safe space, where women and children who have experienced domestic abuse can come to rebuild their lives free from abuse and get help and support to build resilience for their futures.
Domestic abuse – how we thought it would be and how it is

If you are reading this, or thinking about getting help, then you, could well be on your way to a life without abuse. Here at The Next Chapter you will find all the support and guidance you need, with an amazing team who are dedicated and work tirelessly to help victims of domestic abuse live the life we all have the right to live. Free from abuse.
How to move forward from loss and grief

These are all perfectly natural feelings and reactions to loss and grief and some may even compare it to a bereavement. Even if you don’t feel that way at all you may have been left feeling empty and confused or angry. We might constantly be bargaining with ourselves still or find that depression has taken over. We all deal with loss in our own individual ways and this is what makes each of us so unique. This is perfectly normal too.

Kay Caldwell
Joanna Ronayne
Rory Doyle

Rory bring his extensive operational and strategic experience of housing, health, wellbeing, and community safety & development as well as his links into the health and social care networks in North East Essex, helping us develop key partnerships in this area.
Karen Williams - Chair of the Board

Karen brings her extensive housing management, strategic knowledge of safeguarding and experience of improving support pathways for survivors of domestic abuse to our board.
Fran Rigo

As a member of our Trustee Board, Fran brings her skills as a qualified solicitor specialising in Family Law and Family Legal Costs.

How to move forward from loss and grief

These are all perfectly natural feelings and reactions to loss and grief and some may even compare it to a bereavement. Even if you don’t feel that way at all you may have been left feeling empty and confused or angry. We might constantly be bargaining with ourselves still or find that depression has taken over. We all deal with loss in our own individual ways and this is what makes each of us so unique. This is perfectly normal too.
How does domestic abuse differ in other cultures?

The actions of individuals are influenced by the norms, values, language, and other cultural factors that are like the dust in the air that surrounds everyone. These cultural factors are ingrained in us from the day we are born, and can play a role in either ending or perpetuating domestic abuse.
Special Place in the Home

So, you survived Monday! Well done. One of the things that I am really missing is seeing my friends and family – we know that ‘being connected’ is really important for our mental health and emotional wellbeing. Having close positive relationships gives us a purpose and a sense of belonging. During this lockdown many of the ways we are usually connected to people – friends, family, work colleagues, school chums – have changed beyond all recognition.
Safety begins at home.....?

We know from speaking to our clients, that the lockdown has meant that some perpetrators may not be able to feed their addictions, or they may be over feeding their addictions due to boredom or frustration and this in turn will be affecting their mental health. There is so much research about the dangerous cocktail of this ‘toxic trio’ (the combination of domestic abuse, substance misuse and mental health issues) as it leads to emotions being intensified which in turn drives behaviours.
Covid-19 - what are we doing?

As part of our commitment to individuals experiencing domestic abuse and their families who are worried about them - we’re doing our very best to make sure that we are always available to respond and help. Your safety and wellbeing is of paramount importance to us and we are prioritising our services in relation to safety and support above everything else.
Domestic Abuse Duty Practitioner

If you have a background in working with individuals experiencing domestic abuse, this is an exceptional opportunity to make a difference with a well-established charity.
Family Domestic Abuse Practitioner

If you have experience of working with children, young people and families experiencing domestic abuse, this is an amazing opportunity to make a positive, lasting difference to families living in your community.
Help in an emergency

What to do in an emergency. If you think that you are in immediate danger then you need to call 999 for the police.
Evening/Weekend Support Worker

Do you have experience of working with vulnerable individuals or of working in a residential care setting? Want to take on a challenging, yet highly rewarding role that you can fit around your existing responsibilities? If so, read on.
Mask fitted, safety card is located in the seat in front of you

Last week we focused on our own psychological safety (routine so important here) and helping our children to feel emotionally safe – but what about being physically safe? For many children living in a household with domestic abuse, school provided the routine and much-needed respite. With schools closed and communities ‘shut down’, how can we help ourselves and our children to stay safe when violence erupts.