This accessible training pack aims to help young women clarify the boundaries between abusive and loving behaviour.
There are many training resources that promote self-esteem and emotional understanding for those who have had experienced domestic abuse, so what stood out for me in Bursting the Bubble? First was the £20 price for voluntary organisations, which ensures that even small, under-funded projects are able to afford this useful resource.
Second is the layout. There is an array of bite-sized chunks designed to promote self-awareness no matter what an individual's starting point. It is also multi-functional, easy to dip into or use as a complete programme. The exercises are developed to stimulate discussion and thought in a way that engages the participants without their personal experiences being put under the spotlight. This is a wise way to engage young people without them feeling they are being constantly tested and judged.
The pack was developed by Women's Health Matters, a community organisation based in Hunslet, Leeds, which takes a holistic approach, believing women can be experts in their own health and wellbeing. It was created with the help of 60 young women from across Leeds and the sessions have been tested in informal group settings.
The material is designed to boost self-esteem, clarify boundaries within relationships and help young women to think about abusive behaviour and contrast it with healthy and loving relationships. It aims to help young women to explore their experiences, develop the ability to keep themselves safe and access support if necessary.
I particularly appreciated the fact that author Lucy Fishwick uses exercises that are tried and tested. This ensures that time is not wasted reinventing the wheel. Having spoken to her, I am also reassured of her competence in providing guidance to those with specific questions regarding the pack's application.
My only concern is how sessions are facilitated. Group work is a cost-effective way to support, explore and educate. But, as the introduction reminds us, domestic abuse is a specialist area and therefore leaders should really have had some sort of group work training before taking such sessions. I fear that the inclusion of the "things to consider before using the pack" section could encourage those with little experience of working in this area to undertake activities that ideally require them to have a good understanding of the sensitivities surrounding domestic abuse.
Despite these concerns, this pack is a little gem in the right hands, and I have already started to promote it.
- Deborah Forte works as a trainer for Quality Training UK and provides counselling to young people.
