Free courses to support victims and perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse

A range of free courses to support both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse are available at Rochdale Connections Trust.

Located on Drake Street, Rochdale Connections Trust is a local charity and Rochdale’s leading provider of domestic abuse services, providing a range of support services to women and men, including family support and targeted youth support.

As many as one in five adults experience domestic abuse during their lifetime; it impacts so many yet goes undisclosed in most cases. It is estimated that less than 24% of domestic abuse crime is reported to the police.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please contact Rochdale Connections Trust either via the online referral form or on 01706 345111. Always call 999 in an emergency or if someone is at immediate risk of danger.

For more information about any of the below courses, please contact Rochdale Connections Trust on 01706 345111 or email info@r-c-t.co.uk.

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Adult courses

• Free From Harm

A 17-week programme running every Thursday from 10am to 12-noon

It is a programme to help participants gain additional knowledge around domestic abuse, feel safer and able to risk assess situations. Its aim is to also feel empowered, increase resilience and feel less isolation.

It looks at: understanding trauma; recognising early warning signs and the cycle of violence; parenting; types of abuse behaviours such as coercive control, digital abuse, stalking and harassment; and safety planning, effective communication and resilience.

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• Caring Dads

A 17-week programme running every Wednesday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Caring Dads is a group intervention programme to improve the lives of children by reducing parental conflict and harmful behaviours.

It looks at: fathers’ roles within families; awareness of child-centred fathering; the impact of abusive, neglectful fathering on children; and managing strong emotions and improving communication.

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• Parenting

Parenting is run every 12 weeks on a Wednesday from 10am to 12-noon

A six-week course for parents whose children do not live with them.

The course looks at: parenting styles; positive parenting; listening skills; boundaries and managing difficult behaviours; positive role modelling and building strong family relationships.

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• Respectful Relationships

Respectful Relationships is run every 12 weeks on a Wednesday from 10am to 12-noon

A six-week course for men or women (not couples together) in toxic relationships.

The course looks at: resolving conflict; jealousy; managing emotional reactions; rules for a fair argument; and building resilience.

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• Flourish

A seven-week health awareness programme, held on alternate Thursdays from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

Sessions focus on different aspects of children’s health and development as they ‘flourish’ and become young adults.

Participants who attend five or six sessions can access a free first-aid course.

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• Women Get Moving

Runs every Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm

For women who are interested in increasing their physical activity and improving their mental wellbeing.

Weekly activities include: swimming, walking, skipping, dancing, yoga, Zumba and gym sessions.

Children and young people are welcome during the school holidays.

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• Haven Project

The Haven Project is held every Monday from 12-noon to 3pm.

A group for ladies who have experienced domestic abuse and children are no longer able to live with them, for whatever reason that might be.

The focus within the group is on finding a way forward and building resilience through peer support, positive activities and increasing mental wellbeing and hope for the future.

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• Phoenix

The Phoenix group is held every Thursday from 12-noon to 2pm.

The group is for women who have experienced or are currently in a domestic abuse relationship.

The group aims to develop domestic abuse awareness and empowers women to take back control and improve their confidence, while learning to trust and grow positive relationships.

 

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Youth courses

• The A.I.M Project

For 11–18-year-olds, held on a Tuesday afternoon from 4pm to 5.30pm.

The A.I.M Project is a programme funded by the National Lottery, to help support young people aged between 11–18 years old who are currently experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse in the home.

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• YJS Mentoring

The aim of the mentoring project is to recruit and train volunteer mentors from the local community to work with young people who have lived in or experienced a domestic abuse household, are at risk of criminality and anti-social behaviour or are young care leavers.

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• Best Life Healthy Relationship

Best Life has been developed in response to concerns expressed by schools relating to their awareness of the growing issue of unhealthy, disrespectful relationships amongst young people.

It is designed to raise awareness and understanding in young people in secondary schools around Domestic Abuse. The course is 15 weeks and delivered in the school environment.

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• Time4Me

This programme offers 12 weeks of therapeutic intervention for young people aged 5-18 years. Priority for those on plans due to domestic abuse.

Qualified counsellors work 1:1 in therapy with young people, offering person-centred and solution-focused therapy across the borough.

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• Heywood Youth Group

11-18-year-olds held on a Wednesday afternoon from 4pm - 5.30pm.

The aim of this group is to provide young people a safe space to learn new skills, get involved in activities and reach out for help.

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• SAFE Space

Safe Space aims to work with children and young people aged 5-18 years of age, offering 1:1 therapeutic interventions and counselling.

12 sessions offer a safe space to explore their experiences, understand healthy relationships and build coping and safety planning skills.

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• Happier Children

A unique programme of support specifically for children aged 5-18 who have experienced the trauma of domestic violence and abuse in the family home. RCT’s aim is to help children and young people come to terms with their experiences and to develop a positive lifestyle and coping strategies.

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Rochdale Youth Groups

• 11–16-year-olds held on Wednesday afternoons from 3pm - 5pm
• 4–10-year-olds held on Thursday afternoons from 3.30pm - 5pm.

Weekly youth groups for young people aged between 4-16 years of age.

It's a great opportunity for young people to socialise and make new friends whilst being involved in fun projects.

The aim is to work with children that have experienced domestic abuse giving them a safe space to have fun, learn new skills and grow in confidence.