Swindon school receives award from Society Without Abuse charity

The accolade recognises of the school’s commitment to teaching their pupils vital life skills about healthy relationships and fostering a safe space for those affected by domestic abuse.
The HOPE Award is Swindon-based SWA’s award-winning schools programme teaching healthy relationships.  
Over 20 schools across Swindon have successfully completed this programme with age-appropriate workshops, as well as training in domestic abuse, the signs and the impact for the teachers and other school staff.  
As part of being a HOPE School, Lawn Primary also hosts monthly drop-ins with SWA support workers to assist families experiencing, or at risk of, domestic abuse.   
The school also has its own dedicated Family Support Worker who works directly with parents who may need additional help and support.  
Jenny Cannon, Lawn Primary School’s Family Support Lead Worker, said: “Domestic abuse is sadly a part of daily life for so many. 
"The HOPE programme has broadened our knowledge and made all staff more aware of domestic abuse, from signs and indicators, to behaviours and the impact this can have on the whole family. 
"As a school we are now far better equipped to support staff, parents and children who have been affected by domestic abuse.
“We chose a varied group of children to complete the healthy relationships sessions, and they were extremely beneficial, allowing them to learn what a good positive relationship is, helping children to self-reflect on their own relationships and helping them to navigate friendships and family relationships positively.
"As a school we are proud to say we are domestic abuse aware and have an open-door policy to support anyone within our school community. As a school and safeguarding team, we have a good strong connection with SWA and have worked closely with our dedicated SWA support worker, who has provided invaluable advice, guidance and support when needed.”
Relationships education is mandatory in primary schools, and by signing up to the HOPE programme, schools can be confident that they’re meeting their requirements and also delivering healthy relationships lessons in an age-appropriate way.  
Children and Families Manager for SWA Emma Maclennan explained: “It’s vitally important that our children and young people receive the right education in healthy relationships in an age-appropriate way that they can then apply to their own relationships.   
"One in five children in the UK experience domestic abuse and approximately half of young people aged 13-17 who are in intimate relationships have experienced violent or controlling behaviour.  
“The HOPE programme not only helps schools deliver this education, but also creates hubs of support right in the centre of each community, meaning that people experiencing domestic abuse have somewhere to go and find the support they need for themselves and their children to escape and recover.”
Anybody needing advice for themselves or a friend relating to domestic abuse can call Swindon’s domestic abuse helpline on 01793 610610 or the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.  
 

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