Children and Young People

Listening Ear developed DiAmond, its dedicated therapeutic pathway for children and young people affected by domestic abuse in the home in 2012. Since then, we have trained over 300 children and young people’s professionals in this pathway (which is supported by a published workbook/ toolkit) and completed therapy with 436 children and young people.

DiAmond normally offers 1:1 counselling in schools or colleges for children and young people from Knowsley, Wirral, Warrington and St Helens who are affected by Domestic Abuse. This service is funded by each of the Local Authorities on behalf of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside.

When we accept a DiAmond referral, we arrange a telephone assessment initially with the parent or Carer of the child. This assessment is used to understand the child’s issues in more depth. Clinically, we are assessing whether DiAmond is a suitable service for the individual needs of the child and whether 1:1 support is to be offered. This decision is made by a clinical expert and cannot be requested.

Following assessment, we will arrange 1:1 counselling sessions to take place in your child’s school (in term time) or in our centres in Whiston or Rock Ferry during school Summer holidays.  Children and young people are typically offered six counselling sessions as part of the pathway.

 

The charity Women’s Aid have created THE HIDEOUT to help children and young people to understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it’s happening to you.

  • "Because it was all good, I would give it 1000 out of 1000 if I could."
  • "It has helped me with my anger and now I think about things first, before shouting or getting angry."
  • "They never judge with anything"
  • "They can be trusted"
  • "I feel good, mum is proud of me"
  • "Now whenever I miss mum I go and talk to someone"

In 2019, Listening Ear developed a ten week programme for female survivors of Domestic Abuse. The aim of group sessions was for the beneficiaries to recognise the signs and symptoms of Domestic abuse and to develop appropriate emotional responses enabling real changes to their lives.

  • "She is a lot better than she was, she is now able to sleep alone"
  • "He has really enjoyed the sessions and often talks about what he has done"
  • "I feel the children would've been much worse and more negatively affected if they hadn't been receiving counselling at this time"
  • "Never had any issues at school but at home there has been a huge difference. My child seems more content"
  • "Thank you so much for the difference you have made for all of us"
  • "Yesterday my child spoke more comfortably about sharing concerns in the family. They used to keep things to themselves."
  • "The boys found it extremely helpful and enjoyed the time we spent together. It was different to what I expected and perceived counselling to be, it outstretched my expectations, it was fantastic and really helpful for us all. It was a fantastic experience and thank you for helping my children."
  • "The service is amazing I don't know where my 2 boys (and me) would be with out it"
  • This is a fantastic programme that has helped me massively. I have learnt so much about myself. Being able to talk through things I wouldn’t normally has been a massive help. The group sessions are ideal as you feel you are not alone and can help each other.

2018/19

  • 297 referrals received
  • 240 assessments were offered
  • 546 1:1 therapy sessions offered
  • 3 groups offered
  • 186 CYP engaged in therapy of which 124 achieved a planned ending
  • 5% of those completing therapy evidenced improved CORS/ORS scores
  • The average change in CORS/ORS scores for CYP was +3
  • 100% of CYP reported that the service had helped them
  • 76% of parents and carers completing end of service satisfaction reports stated that their child’s health and wellbeing had improved at home and school
  • 90% of CYP reported that they were more able to concentrate in school
  • 93% of CYP said that they would recommend the service to a child in need

We are running a new service for CYP aged 5 to 19 years inclusive who live in Warrington, attend a school in Warrington or are registered with a Warrington GP. CYP must be presenting with mild-to-moderate mental health issues and have experienced domestic abuse.

To find out more about this service please click here

We are running a new service for children, young people and adult victim survivors of domestic abuse in Warwickshire.

To find out more about this service please click here.