Specialist Trauma-informed Support Groups
We offer a range of specialist trauma-informed support 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.
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
Phone us on 0300 222 5730 or email support@rsacc-thecentre.org.uk
For times and days go to Talk to Us - our Emotional Support Services page
You are not alone
We are here to help you and, no matter how hard it may seem, we will get there together.
Testimonials
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.
I am no longer hiding from life and I have learned to say yes and no. I now do things for me!
It’s made me a happier, stronger, more confident, positive person!
- 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.
