At Glow, one of the ways that we help people facing domestic abuse is through our group support programmes. They’re a vital way that we can support people facing abuse, help them understand what they went through and how they can rebuild their lives.

We currently deliver three group programmes, The Freedom programme, Recognise and Reconnect and The Recovery Toolkit, alongside social and wellbeing activities. We also offer a volunteering programme.

The Freedom Programme helps people who have experienced abusive relationships recognise and understand the dynamics of domestic abuse. We give them the tools they need to rebuild their lives and live a future free from abuse. Participants understand the dynamics of abuse and learn the tools they need to rebuild their lives.

Recognise and Reconnect is our programme for parents who have experienced relationship abuse. Sessions aim to help parents develop the skills they need to move on and start a new chapter with their children.

The Recovery Toolkit helps participants understand the impact of experiencing domestic abuse. It explains how they were prevented from leaving an abusive relationship and the thinking patterns they may have developed as a method of managing the risk, which can hold them back from moving forward.

Lilly*

Lily took part in all three programmes. Lily was with her abusive ex-partner for six years, but she’d experienced abusive partners since her first relationship at 13. She’d faced years of abuse and nearly took her own life – until she found Glow.

Lily said: “Before I came to Glow, I had nowhere to turn. I felt like there was no way out. I couldn’t see how things were going to get better. I can remember driving myself to the train station, ready to take my own life. I couldn’t see any other way out of the situation.

I don’t know what stopped me, but I decided to go home and look online to see what help was available. That’s when I found Glow and gave them a call.

I can still remember my first session of the Freedom programme. It was hard because it was the very first step for me, but the atmosphere was just lovely. You quickly realise just how many people are in the same situation as you. There’s no judgement at all, everyone just comes together and supports each other.

The staff are brilliant too. They never judge you and they’re never shocked at what you say. That listening ear, kindness and support was just invaluable at such a difficult time.

Without the Freedom programme, I probably wouldn’t be here today. I can’t praise the programmes enough – they are absolutely fantastic. Each session bought me further to who I am today. I’m so much happier now and have the tools and knowledge to protect myself. When you’re in an abusive relationship you can become so isolated and lose your friends. Now I can be whoever I want to be and do whatever I like – it’s been absolutely life changing.”

Lilly now volunteers for Glow, using her own lived experience to support people facing abuse in their relationships. She co-facilitates sessions and offers support to participants who are in the same position that she once was.

Visit https://findtheglow.org.uk/recovery-hub/ to find out more about group programmes and volunteer opportunities at our Recovery Hub.

*name changed to protect identity.