Training and resources

Our open access groups for women affected by domestic abuse run weekly at venues in Chester, Ellesmere Port and Winsford.

The groups are all supported by qualified IDVA’s (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate) who are able to offer confidential advice and support to women relating to a range of subjects surrounding domestic abuse.

The groups provide somewhere for women affected by domestic abuse to go, so that they can seek advice, interact with others, share experiences and allow their voice to be heard. The sessions offer a safe environment where women can also enjoy refreshments and social sessions such as arts and crafts, beauty and wellness.

The sessions don’t require a formal referral from any organisation, women who are affected by domestic abuse can drop into any session at any time during the two-hour timeframe.

The sessions run on a weekly basis, with potential for change on bank holidays and during the school holidays.

Chester

Tuesdays, 10am - 12pm

Storyhouse, Hunter St, Chester, CH1 2AR

• 2 April - General chat
• 9 April - Understanding the dynamics of abuse 
• 16 April - Legal remedies (guest speaker)
• 23 April - Wellbeing 
• 30 April - Housing and money 
• 7 May- Safety planning (guest speaker) 
• 14 May - Managing stress (guest speaker)
• 21 May - Court processes and support options (guest speaker)
• 28 May - General chat
• 4 June - Healthy relationships
• 11 June - Impact on children
• 18 June - Police action and bail 
• 25 June - Civil remedies and orders
• 2 July - Managing emotions
• 9 July - Towards change 
• 16 July - Safety planning 

Ellesmere Port

Wednesdays, 10am - 12pm

Stanlaw Abbey Children's Centre, Alnwick Drive, CH65 9HE

• 3 April - General chat
• 10 April - Understanding the dynamics of abuse
• 17 April - Legal remedies 
• 24 April - Wellbeing (guest speaker)
• 1 May - Housing and money
• 8 May- Safety planning 
• 15 May - Managing stress 
• 22 May - Court processes and support options 
• 29 May - General chat
• 5 June - Healthy relationships
• 12 June - Impact on children
• 19 June - Police action and bail
• 26 June - Civil remedies and orders
• 3 July - Managing emotions
• 10 July - Towards change
• 17 July - Safety planning

Winsford

Thursdays, 10am - 12pm

Wharton Library, Willow Square, Winsford, CW7 3HP 

• 4 April - General chat
• 11 April - Understanding the dynamics of abuse
• 18 April - Legal remedies
• 25 April - Wellbeing 
• 2 May - Housing and money
• 9 May- Safety planning
• 16 May - Managing stress
• 23 May - Court processes and support options
• 30 May - General chat
• 6 June - Healthy relationships
• 13 June - Impact on children (guest speaker)
• 20 June - Police action and bail (guest speaker)
• 27 June - Civil remedies and orders
• 4 July - Managing emotions
• 11 July - Towards change (guest speaker)
• 18 July - Safety planning

Although sessions are given a general theme it is acknowledged that open access groups are client led to enable people to have immediate access to support dependent on their individual needs and circumstances.