As the newest initiative of the Ashiana Network, the Youth Counselling and Support Project secured funding in the Summer of 2006 and has been up and running since the Autumn of 2006. The Youth Counselling & Support Service is targeted at young people between the ages of 13-21, regardless of gender or race, impacted by Domestic Violence. Its objectives are three fold:

To provide one-to-one confidential counselling to young people impacted by Domestic Violence.

As with any new service, the primary focus of this year has been to introduce and promote the project to schools, colleges and relevant agencies in Waltham Forest and neighbouring boroughs.

One to One Counselling

Within the first complete year of running the Youth Counselling service, 29 young people were seen for individual counselling – 22 girls and 7 boys. Presenting issues included but were not limited to; low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, difficulty handling anger, self-harm/suicidal thoughts, feelings of no control, lack of trust, loss of hope and general despair. In providing young people the space and safety to address their feelings and concerns, as well as the opportunity to learn new coping skills and tools – our objective has been grounded in improving an overall sense of well being.

Support Group

With the intent of providing an alternative means of support to those individuals who prefer or would benefit from a more interactive and social experience, two separate support groups were developed and facilitated for young people experiencing difficulties around relationships and abuse. Through open discussions, workshops and activities – the goal has been to educate young people about healthy relationships, boundaries, communication as well improving confidence, self-esteem and resilience.

Mentoring

With mentors often being the first point of contact and support for young people in the education system as well as out in the community, 11 peer mentors within local schools were provided basic Domestic Violence Awareness training. The aim of this training has been to improve awareness and increase communication around the issue of Domestic Violence to create an environment in which young people can come forward to be identified and referred on to appropriate services.