REECE & SUNNY'S ROVING REPORTS - Behind Closed Doors
I firstly need to highlight that although Sunny and I were invited to attend this group, strict protocols and procedures including risk assessments needed to be followed to ensure that we were able to attend, ensuring that everyone attending knew we were going to be there, what we were there to do and what would be happening. The reason behind it all was to ensure that everyone there was happy and felt comfortable with Sunny and I attending. The members that we met were more that happy to meet us and talk about their group experiences.
I began by speaking with Mandy, the founder of the group which has now been running for two and a half years. Mandy started the group when she realised that once the risk of domestic violence reduces so does the amount of support a person receives from various organisations. She soon found that her own health and well-being was suffering without the extra help and support and to ensure other survivors of domestic violence didn’t find themselves in the same same situation she was in.
Mandy decided to gain qualifications in Safeguarding Against Domestic Violence and Narcissistic Abuse, Mandy discovered there were many women in a similar position to her, which gave her the motivation to set up the group Behind Closed Doors, she wanted to provide a safe place for women to connect with each other, understand and face any barriers they many come across together whether they be personal to them or within any services they may be using, then hopefully the group will help make life that little bit easier for it’s members and their families, to also re-assure the groups members that they aren’t on their own.
Behind Closed Doors hold weekly drop-in sessions in Fleetwood, where they partake in various activities ranging from simple crafts to building confidence workshops. The group also helps with domestic situations, providing help with clothing, food, accessing other public services and supporting its members through many different situations they may come across.
Mandy can’t believe the feedback she has received since founding the group, it has helped so many people in such a short space of time.
Julie, a member who shared her time within the group with me said she felt very well supported in the beginning by other organisations but as time moved on the support became less and less, which then increased her condition of PTSD, she was wary of talking to people who had no idea of what she had experienced. When Julie first accessed the group, she stayed very quiet but felt that if she needed help, she knew it they would be there to support her in many ways including helping her form new relationships with people and giving her the confidence to trust others again. As with many survivors of Domestic Violence trusting others is something difficult to do again. It also helps to spend time with others that have had similar experiences, they learn from one another about how to deal with situations that arise within their day-to-day personal lives.
Another brave lady called Candice told me a small part of her story and how if affected not just her but also her family. She freely admits that the group has helped her so much, the advice given by many members could be varied as each situation can be different for each individual person. She has found the group very supportive in helping her deal with a wide range of emotions and has helped her start trusting others again, not only has the group supported her but also her children as they needed help as well.
A courageous lady, who wished to remain anonymous told me that the support she has received has been immeasurable, she felt that other services were failing her. Behind Closed Doors provided her with information that she never knew about including Claire’s Law and safeguarding for her children. The group found her legal help and supported her during the meetings, even helping over Christmas and other significant times of the year which can be very testing at the best of times. She really can’t help but praise how much Mandy and the group have helped her at this time.
Sunny and I really had an inspiring time hearing the stories of some brave and courageous ladies who took the time to speak with us. It really left me with nothing but sheer admiration for not only the group members but also all the work that Mandy and her team are doing at Behind Closed Doors.
I also found it very educational and enlightening in so many ways, one thing we did learn was about Claire’s Law, which was first implemented in 2014. Claire’s Law means that anyone has the right to ask the Police if any potential partner has ever had a history of Domestic Violence.
At the meeting Sunny and I attended the group were preparing for October which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month to which the group are planning a few things with dates yet to be confirmed.
I would like to congratulate Mandy on the news that along with her team, Behind Closed Doors they have won an award at the 2024 Centre for Excellence Awards for all the work they do to help people survive Domestic Violence.
It’s amazing the difference the group has made and is making within our community. Sunny and I are proud to have been given special permission to do a ‘roving report’ on such an amazing group, keep up the fantastic work you’re making a massive difference to so many peoples lives.
- Reece & Sunny, July 2024
For more information about Behind Closed Doors the contact details are:
Tel: 07763 723798
E-mail: bcdoors22@gmail.com
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