Lucy’s Update

Welcome to our Summer edition 2024

It seems unbelievable that we are now half way through July and schools are getting ready to break up for the summer!

The Alpha Vesta Team have been very busy over the last few months with the launch of several new projects focused on awareness, prevention and early intervention around domestic abuse.

J9 Initiative:

After rebranding and updating the J9 initiative in Essex, we launched the fully funded 1 hr awareness session and resources in April. This has been funded by SETDAB and PFCC for Essex

J9 Essex

The Alpha Vesta Team provide three online public sessions per month which are open to everyone to book here.  The more awareness and understanding we are able to build around domestic abuse, the more we have the potential to reach people earlier in their journey.

I feel this should be mandatory for everyone who has a public facing role”

“I would also like to express how good the training was. It was very informative with opportunity for interaction which helped to engage us in the training and retain valuable information”

We are so pleased to share with you just some of the Safe Spaces we have helped create in Essex and recently visited to deliver their J9 Toolkit and merchandise.  This provides us the opportunity to meet the teams personally and spend some time answering any questions and providing recommendations:

If you would like support to create your J9 Essex Safe Space, please do reach out to us to discuss this further.  We recognise that larger organisations may need some guidance as to the best approach to train staff and create their Safe Space, which is why we are already working closely with some organisations to support them achieve this.

Safe Space

Working with Public and Private Sector Employers across Essex

We have also been successful in further funding to support our work with both public and private sector employers across Essex from Police Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex. This work includes safeguarding policy reviews, domestic abuse policy reviews, the writing and updating of domestic abuse policies, bespoke workforce training and resources. We continue to work with SMEs as well as large employers, employing thousands of employees.

‘The Voice of Young People’ Project

Essex Community Foundation have also awarded us some funding to extend the work of our Survivor and Insight Network to include ‘the voice of young people’ through a 1 year project to engage, educate and empower young people to talk about healthy and unhealthy relationships. This project will be spearheaded by our newly appointed Youth Ambassadors. Our Youth Ambassadors will have their own feature in our Autumn Newsletter.

CPD Accredited Online Training

Our CPD Accredited Online Core training will continue in September. Individual Sessions can be booked via our Eventbrite page through our website. These sessions are designed to build understanding around domestic abuse by exploring it through 4 specific lenses. Its impact, its complexity, how it affects children and young people, how it affects the workplace and employment. Our CPD Accredited ‘Introduction to Domestic Abuse’ Session is a must for anyone with an interest in this area as talks through the history of domestic abuse as well as how to recognise the signs and reach out to someone you may be concerned about. See our Online Public Training & Webinars section below for links.

Support Services Directory – Link

Our Support Services Directory is a useful resource for anyone looking for support around domestic abuse and some of the complex issues that intersect with it. Our Support Services Directory undergoes regular reviews and please do get in touch with us if you run a service that may be of help to someone experiencing domestic abuse either directly or indirectly.

We have lots of exciting projects in the pipeline for the Autumn as well as some trips around the country to engage, educate and empower!

Best regards
Lucy Whittaker

Founding Director and Lead Trainer of Alpha Vesta CIC

Lucy Whittaker
Alpha Vesta

I Didn’t Know

Alpha Vesta

We Didn’t See It

Alpha Vesta

What Can I Do?

Online Public Training & Webinars

In addition to our funded bespoke training and consultancy services for businesses and organisations in Essex, we continue to provide FREE online public training.  Please review our public training catalogue to explore our current offering and book to attend any of our sessions via the below link: Alpha Vesta CIC Events – 11 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

All public training

All public training

Scheduled events new sessions added regularly

Domestic Abuse in the News – links

  • One of the most shocking, potential domestic abuse related deaths that we have seen of late is of the family of BBC Commentator, John Hunt.  Information so far suggests the perpetrator of this horrific triple murder was the former boyfriend of John’s youngest daughter.   For me, this really highlights the enormous ripple effect that domestic abuse can have on a family and how other members of the family can also be at risk. Read: Family devastated after crossbow attack – John Hunt – BBC News
  • Doorbells given to Survivors of Domestic Abuse:  The use of smart doorbells has grown in popularity and is often a helpful piece of equipment for someone to purchase in order to help them feel more secure.  Read: Doorbells given to domestic abuse survivors
  • This case, which is fairly local to the Alpha Vesta Team, shocked us all.  The daughter of this couple has pleaded guilty to their murder and awaits sentencing.  Without a trial, it’s unlikely we will ever see the full extent of what happened and why, however, in time, a thorough review will take place.  One third of domestic abuse related incidents relate to other family members and a quarter of all domestic abuse related homicides involve a family member. Woman admits murdering her parents in Great Baddow four years before they were found – Essex Live

Long-term Impact Feedback Survey

It is important for us to continue to develop robust training which is meaningful to people from a variety of different sectors and communities. We are very grateful to all of you that take the time to complete the short questionnaire that is shared after each of our sessions.

However, it is also important to us to understand the long lasting impact of our training and how this learning is being used within the workplace and community. Therefore, for those that have completed the training within the last 6 months please can we ask you to complete this short survey link: https://alphavesta.com/feedback-survey/

National Support & Help

National 24hr Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 For women and children experiencing domestic abuse

Men’s Advice Line 0808 801 0327 For men experiencing domestic abuse

RESPECT 0808 802 4040 For those concerned that they may be using abusive behaviours

NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000 If you are concerned about a child

Samaritans 116 123 For those struggling in terms of their mental health and feeling in crisis

NCDV 0800 970 2070 free, fast emergency injunction service for survivors of domestic abuse

Essex Regional Support & Help

Alpha Vesta 01245 791281 For employers and employees concerned about a staff member

Compass 0330 333 7 444 Compass is being delivered by a consortium of established domestic abuse support agencies including; Safe Steps, Changing Pathways and The Next Chapter. The aim is to provide a single point of access for callers to speak with a trained member of staff who will complete an assessment and ensure contact is made with the most appropriate support service.

The Change Project 01245 258 680 Committed to preventing conflict in relationships and working with both perpetrators, victims and their children.

Alpha Vesta’s Collated National & Regional Support Services

click here to access document

CPD Provider
Lottery Community Fund
brentwood Chamber
Essex Partnership
Police, fire and crime commissioner for essex
Essex Community Foundation

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