Page 40 - link magazine

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com The Link Magazine' December 1998 39
Pre-teens success New group for victims PAUL. DRAPER
The first term for a pre-teens of sex attack
group at West Swindon Family uPVC Fascia,
Project has generated a high de- Positive Steps - a support group for women who have been raped or
mand for places in January. sexually assaulted as adults - will be starting a new group in January. Guttering
The programme is aimed at chil- The group run by Victim Sup- their fears and problems. It also
dren in school years 6 and 7 and port Wiltshire offers women an provides a confidential source of & Cladding
offers support during the poten- opportunity to meet others who support and understanding. FASCIAS
tially difficult transitions from have had similar experiences. It After a sexual attack women may
childhood to adolescence, from pri- gives women the chance to discuss be left feeling powerless. There
mary to secondary school. The may be anxiety about sexually
group's general view is: 'it's great.'
transmitted diseases, changes in
Visible Women sleeping patterns, nightmares,
flashbacks, problems with eating, * FREE ESTIMATES *
plan for conference problems with relationships and
A lunch and exhibition aimed at terrible fear of another attack. Tel: (01793) 825965
women from ethnic minority To know that they are not alone 3 Overton Gardens, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon
groups as part of the Visible and that others have been through
Women campaign was held at the and survived the experience can
Broad Green Centre on 12 No- help.
vember. To find out about joining, con- AM
Organised by Swindon Racial tact the Victim Support office on
Equality Council (SREC), the event (01380) 729476, Monday to Friday
aimed to bring women together to 9am to 5pm. SKIPS
find out about local services. Also Or telephone the Rape Support
on display was the Fairplay Exhi- Helpline on Swindon 541144, Tues-
bition on successful ethnic minor- day and Thursday 7pm to 10pm, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5
Family Project pre-teens, from left, ity women. and Sunday 2pm to 6pm. yards capacity
Nathan Barlow, Robert McGill, Joanna Mytalas Scanlon from A woman from Victim Support 5 days given to fill skip
Natasha Rue. Front, Lucy Ponniah SREC said, "wewere delighted that will meet anyone who would like 2.3 tonne Mini-digger for hire
so many women turned up to the to join the group to discuss their
"It's like you're in someone else's
house - definitely worth coming exhibition. We hope they will help needs and identify an appropriate Freephone
us form a network in Swindon, source of support.
to," said Lucy Ponniah. taking us forward to the Visible Victim Support also offers home 0800 -387613
Natasha Rue elaborated, "at first
I thought it would be boring. But Women Conference in March." visiting for those women who Tel: 731610
The national campaign aims to would like to talk privately about
I like joining in with people. It's 8am - 8pm
publicise the concerns of ethnic their experiences.
somewhere nice to come instead minority women, increase aware-
of playing in the street."
Nathan Barlow and Robert ness of the barriers they face and
McGill agreed that the group is 'a dispel stereotypes, showcasing
lot of fun' and 'not at all like school'. successful role models.
The children love to let off steam For information on the campaign
in the 'ball-pit', dress up and cook. and local events, contact Joanna VDUNCAN
They also welcomed the oppor- on 528545. • Mechanical
tunity the group gave them to 'talk Electrical SELF DRIVE HIRE
about anything'. Topics covered, Embroiders Christmas 7faa4ata€ e#ce4/ &&a
largely initiated by the children, get together Servicing & Welding Vehicles for Hire at Competitive Rates
included bullying, drugs (includ- The Swindon & North Wilts Branch airs
ing alcohol and cigarettes), sex- of The Embroiders' Guild are hold- X , Cars • Vans • Lutons • Tail-lifts
ism, and stealing. But, invariably, ing their Christmas meeting on • M.O.T. Rep 272 Ermin Street
the most contentious issue is what Monday 7 December at Church- Stratton St. Margaret, Swindon
to eat at the following session. fields School from 730pm to & Servicing Tel: 822193
To find out more or put your 930pm. FREE PARKING
child's name down for the Spring Everyone is welcome, admission Tel: (01793) 480700 EN
or Summer term, call Mark or is £3. Call Maggie Harrison 720097 2a Station Road, Swindon Open Daily 830am . 530pm YM
Alison on 871303. for more details. Sundays 830am - 930am

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