Children's Services

The total effect of Domestic Violence upon women and children is dramatic and has a major impact upon their lives at every level. Fear, confusion, guilt, sadness and anger are just some of the emotions that children may manifest. All Children and Young People resident at the Haven Wolverhampton are included in the play programmes which offer different levels of support to encourage their development.

Additionally, mothers who themselves are dealing with the after effects of Domestic Violence may find their children difficult to cope with. She herself may feel helpless and not fully equipped to deal with a change in behaviour or able to respond positively to the needs of her child/ren. Many women complain of feeling distanced and find it very difficult to ‘play’ with their children, however play is encouraged as this form of interaction helps form trust / bond between parent and child. Women also feel that they have failed in some way as a mother, which only compounds their feelings of low self-esteem and worthlessness which can be transferred to the child. Mothers and children effectively become isolated from each other and unable to communicate on any level, this is particularly damaging to an already fragile child. The development of healthy and positive play opportunities is therefore vital to the well being of the children and their mothers. Sometimes it is necessary for the mother to find space for herself so that she can rebuild her life before she can rebuild the relationship with her child/ren. Structured play development work also has a key role in helping children come to terms with their experience.

Planning, preparation and implementation of comprehensive play activities and weekly programmes to support the needs of Children and Young People are developed. The Children are encouraged to become involved in activities that help make their surroundings inviting by displaying their artistic efforts, either artwork or photographs of events, they are also encouraged to participate in regular meetings to plan future activities and ideas for trips; they are invited to contribute towards the planning and give any feedback on activities and trips that took place. Constructive play sessions are run across The Haven’s five hostels, and also include homework sessions until 5pm. The activities are geared around health and safety so the children and young people remain safe, learn, enjoy and achieve personal and social development. These activities are increased during the school holiday periods and half-terms, they include in-house activities and organised trips out in the local community to support any unmet needs. The programme also acts as a method of re-engagement into other services currently offered to provide traumatised children and their mums with additional support, e.g. counselling.
For our younger age range we offer a wide range of stimulating, creative play opportunities in a safe, child-friendly environment and have clear set rules for behaviour in and out of the playroom. In particular we focus on resolving disagreements without violence and/or abusive behaviour. This is a valuable way of building self-esteem by letting children know they have a voice and that their views really do count.

With the cultural diversity of the children at The Haven, special occasions like Bonfire night, Diwali, Black History month, Kwanza, and other cultural and religious festivals are included into any plans for activities and trips which funding helps to sustain. As Christmas is approaching, we are happily looking forward to the festive season and our plans to engage mums and children working together, making decorations, planned cooking and activities that involve everyone across the Hostels in order to help make Christmas at The Haven a memorable occasion for all.
Gloria Pearce (CS Co)

Volunteer of the Year 2005 Awards

2005 was declared ‘Year of the Volunteer’ in the UK on 10/01/05 by the Home Secretary Charles Clarke, and Chancellor Gordon Brown. In their launch speech they said of Volunteering:
“ (it) strengthens communities and helps people learn and care about the wider society and democracy of which they are part”
“ Volunteers give of their time and talents selflessly, and 2005 will emphasis just how important Volunteering and voluntary action is.”

At The Haven we have always had a strong tradition of Volunteering which still continues, and we would like to extend our gratitude towards those members of the community who give their time selflessly in supporting women and children escaping Domestic Violence.

On October 11th we celebrated the work of Volunteers across the City at the Molineux (Executive Suite) by attending the Volunteer of the Year 2005 awards.
I am very proud to say that 10 Volunteers from The Haven were nominated and chosen for awards. These were presented at the event by a representative of Volunteering England.
Each Volunteer was presented with a certificate and had a photograph taken. This occasion was a real chance to say thank you and give important recognition to our Volunteers (and those in other organisations) for all their hard work, commitment and time that they give.

I am pleased to say that this year there have been 56 enquiries about Volunteering at The Haven, and we currently have 21 Volunteers in place.

We work closely with The Wolverhampton Volunteer Centre who refer many people to us looking for voluntary work. I would like to particularly thank Rita Beddard from the Volunteer Centre who helped to organise the award ceremony.

Eleanor Britton

Volunteer Co-Ordinator

The Haven Refuge

The Haven is the best place to be,
When I arrived I didn’t know what I would see.
When I was first here, I was sad and glum
Then I met Alfie, what a chum.
Now I am happy full of glee
No more sadness for me

When I went to the playroom
There was no gloom
Out jumped Emma and Jan, what a surprise
Since I’ve been in the playroom they’ve opened my eyes

The people here are kind and they share
The children that are here, I tell them not to swear
We chase each other around the rooms, like we are all blind brooms.
I’ll be sad to leave the place, cause it’s been ace!!!

By Coby Aged 9 years old

Life at The Haven by Beth

My first day at The Haven was kind of scary, but I got used to it and made new friends S and M, I play tag sometimes in my room and I like playing on the computer. I really like the children’s workers, we do many things together and have lots of fun too. I feel happy when I play games with kind people and my friends. My favourite song is Jo Jo and my favourite game is pass the parcel.

I miss my teachers at my other school and all my old friends, this makes me feel upset and sad. I can’t wait to get my new house and invite all my friends and play lots of games.

 



Page 1
Chiristmas Appeal 2005
Chirstmas Wish List
Letter from Chief Executive
The Haven

Page 2
Children's Services
Volunteer of the Year 2005 Awards
The Haven Refuge
Life at The Haven by Beth

Page 3
Floating Support
Life in a hostel
The "Clothesline" Charity Shop
Wolverhampton Marathon

Also
The Haven Wolverhampton External Training
The Haven Wolverhampton Donation Form
CRARG Advocacy Training


Business Administration Office:
"Hearian House", Forl Street,
Wolverhampton, WV1 4LP.

For referrals and 24 hour emergency assistance only, please call 01902 713001.

Our business office number is 01902 572140, fax: 01902 572144.


You can also email us at info@havenrefuge.org.uk


Visit our website at www.havenrefuge.org.uk for details of how you can make a difference.

Can you offer a few hours a week to volunteer on our many projects eg. Hostel work, resettlement, fundraising, if that's you, please call on 01902 572140.