Carr-Gomm nominated for TPAS award
Carr-Gomm's domestic abuse service in north Lincolnshire beat off stiff competition to become one of six organisations vying for "Best Practice in Supporting People Award' in the north region in this year's TPAS Connecting People Awards 2010.
Carr-Gomm was nominated thanks to the commitment and hard work of staff who helped establish Horizon, a peer support group for survivors of domestic abuse. Floating support staff, Joanne Oliver and Kay Price identified the need for the group when clients spoke of feeling isolated.
Joanne, project worker said: "It became apparent - through key working sessions - that many clients felt 'cut off' or unable to talk to, or confide in friends and family about what they were going through for fear of being judged or rejected."
Joanne and her colleagues helped establish Horizon designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for women to meet regularly and offer mutual support to people who shared similar experiences.
Clients chose the name Horizon because they wanted the group be a positive experience – forward looking and not just focusing on the past, as one client puts it: “Horizon is about looking to the future with hope”. The group is very much owned by the clients and facilitated by staff - the long-term aim is that the group becomes self-governing.
Joanne adds: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for this award. It will give everyone a real boost and hopefully it’ll attract additional funding so we can continue providing a safe place for women to come together beyond March 2010”.
Horizon, in consultation with clients, has organised a series of activities including: accredited training courses; counselling sessions; and guest speakers. For example, a lawyer gave a talk on domestic abuse the law and held a Q&A session.
Speaking about the group, one client says: “It’s a really happy place despite the experiences we've all had.” while another says: “I don’t have to feel strong and put on a brave face – it’s ok to let go.”
The award will be announced at a dinner on 3 February in Manchester. The winner of the regional heat will go on to compete against the winners in each of the other regions later this year.
