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Trauma-informed Groups
We offer a range of specialist trauma-informed groups. These Groups provide a range of additional support to those who have experienced sexual violence or those who support them.
Our groups are women only spaces. Our definition of women only includes trans women and non-binary people who identify women’s services as being right for them.
Listen to Jemma, our Group Coordinator, who outlines the benefits of joining one of our groups.
Darlington Trauma-informed Support Group
The Darlington Trauma-informed Support Group provides a relaxed and safe space for women to share, learn and gain strength and support from each other. Groups are based around activities, discussion and support, all of which are decided on together by women in the group. The group is facilitated by skilled volunteers and is free to attend. It is held on Monday 10am-12pm in Darlington. Venue for the new Darlington Peer Support Group will be confirmed to those attending
If you are interested in joining the Group, we are happy to provide more information and book you a place – a facilitator will make contact and arrange to meet with you prior to the first session to answer any questions you may have.
Durham Trauma-informed Support Group
Our Durham Trauma-informed Support Group is based in Durham City Centre. The group is a mixture of peer support and trauma education and is for anyone over the age of 18 who has experienced any form of sexual violence at any point in their lives. Anyone living, working or studying in the Darlington and County Durham can attend. The group is a safe and confidential place for people to talk about their thoughts and feelings without being judged. You will give and receive peer support and to learn about our mental health and wellbeing. The group will also have educational content such as learning about trauma and coping mechanisms. It is facilitated by the group coordinator and a skilled volunteer. The group is held fortnightly on a Monday from 6pm – 8pm and is free to attend.
If you are interested in joining the group, please get in touch (contact details below) and we will provide more information if required, add your name to our waiting list and a facilitator will make contact and arrange to meet with you prior to the first session to answer any questions you may have. The Durham Trauma-informed Support Group provides a relaxed and safe space for women to share, learn and gain strength and support from each other. The group is facilitated by skilled volunteers and is free to attend. It is held every two weeks at Allington House Community Association 4 N Bailey, Durham DH1 3ET, Monday 6pm-8pm.
Domestic Violence Recovery Toolkit
The Recovery Toolkit is a 12 week course which aims to provide you with all the knowledge you need to recover from the effects of living with domestic abuse.
The course covers:
- How your thoughts affect the way you feel
- How to increase confidence and self-esteem
- Understanding power and control in an abusive relationship
- Boundaries and trust: protect ourselves and those we love
We are hoping to run another Recovery Toolkit in Spring 2023. If you are interested and want to add your name to the list, Email us at: info@rsacc-thecentre.org.uk. In the meantime, if you need support please call our Emotional Support Line where trained staff will be able to support you.
The course is designed for women who have left an abusive partner. Our definition of women-only includes trans women and non-binary people who identify women’s services as being right for them.
Sexual Violence Recovery Toolkit
As well as our Domestic Violence Recovery Toolkit we are planning a NEW toolkit for sexual violence survivors. The Sexual Violence Recovery Toolkit provides the knowledge and tools to help heal from sexual violence. To express an interest, please email: info@rsacc-thecentre.org.uk.
Mindfulness Group
Our group offers women who have experienced sexual violence or domestic abuse a safe space to learn the practical skills of mindfulness.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness involves paying attention to what is going on inside and outside ourselves, moment by moment. It’s easy to lose touch with the way our bodies are feeling and to end up living “in our heads”, caught up in our thoughts without stopping to notice how those thoughts are driving our emotions and behaviour. An important part of mindfulness is reconnecting with our bodies and the sensations they experience. This means paying attention to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the present moment. Another important part of mindfulness is an awareness of our thoughts and feelings as they happen moment to moment.
Mindfulness most often includes techniques like:
Deep Breathing
Timing your breathing
Focusing on your thoughts
Creative techniques – drawing or coloring something in detail
Listening to music
Focusing on an object that allows you to use most of the 5 senses (touch, sight, hearing smell and taste)
These techniques are all helpful tools for survivors of sexual violence to use in supporting their healing journey’s. Mindfulness allows negative thoughts and feelings to take a back seat by focusing on something positive during the practice. Whether that be an object, thought, image, or activity like creating art or yoga.
Survivors who regularly practice mindfulness are known to see improvements in:
Lower stress levels
Better coping skills
Increased ability in managing anxiety
Better quality of physical and mental health
Increase in self-esteem
Better sleep
Higher level of concentration
Mindfulness can be difficult for those of us who use distraction techniques to cope, tuning into our bodily sensations or breath can be triggering and unsettling. This group will not be suitable for those who are currently experiencing trauma responses such as panic attacks, dissociation and so on. This group is ideally suited to people who have accessed counselling or group support previously.
It will be 4 sessions via zoom each lasting 1 hour. We will be covering mindfulness techniques and coping strategies. The group is ideally for those who have already accessed counselling or trauma informed group work. It is a safe and supportive space with no mention of sexual violence or domestic violence. We will be running on the below dates:
Thursday 7th March 6-7pm
Thursday 14th March 6-7pm
Thursday 21st March 6-7pm
Thursday 28th March 6-7pm
If you would like to join any of the groups please contact us on 01325 354119 or info@rsacc-thecentre.org.uk.
Contact our Emotional Support Services
0300 222 5730 or email support@rsacc-thecentre.org.uk
For times and days go to Talk to Us – our Emotional Support Services page
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You are not alone
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Testimonials
It’s made me a happier, stronger, more confident, positive person!
I am no longer hiding from life and I have learned to say yes and no. I now do things for me!
The training sessions were engaging, very informative and eye opening. The information on the statistics and range of services was very useful to know as they helped understand the scale and difficulties with sexual violence etc.
My time here has been so helpful to me. Having time to step back and look at some of the difficult things that have happened in my life and recognise I have strength has been so precious to me. I am so thankful for being able to access such an amazing safe haven! You have given me the opportunity to step back and breathe again. I feel like a stronger person, able to face the world and live again. I am empowered!
Just a quick note to say thank you for listening to me and helping me to rebuild my life. I feel happy and like I am ready to live again. Life is good. I never thought I would feel this good again. Talking has helped me through the darkness and to clear out the weeds in my life. Now my life looks sunnier and I have much to look forward to. I also have real flowers in my garden now. So it shows things can change.
