Our Feeling Safe Summer Programme
At Kairos Women Working Together (Kairos WWT) our Feeling Safe service supports young women aged 18 – 25 who have been subjected to child sexual exploitation or are at risk of sexual exploitation as adults. The service supports the young women towards safety, stability and self-belief, through intensive one-to-one support, advocacy and group provision which explores topics such as healthy relationships, rights, boundaries, safety and self-confidence.
The service also includes a Summer Programme, which is made up of fun and challenging activities for the women to try, with the following aims: reduce isolation, support the formation of new positive friendships, and increase self-confidence.
Unfortunately, the programme had to be cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so it was with great excitement that we were able to offer the a number of activities this year.
As a new member of staff, I was delighted to lead on the planning and delivery of this programme, supported by our wonderful cohort of Feeling Safe Volunteers.
We kick started the programme at the beginning of August, with ‘Ten Pin Bowling and a Burger’. It was a brilliant start to the programme and allowed the women to get to know each other, and even encouraged a little healthy competition. One of the women stated “I was really nervous to begin with, but this is a great bunch of women my age and I have fit right in”.
Next, we visited Drayton Manor where many women faced their fears for the first time and encouraged others – including myself – to try new things! One of the women fed back “I faced my fears today and I loved it”. The activity helped many of the young women to increase their confidence and self-belief and provided them with the opportunity to support and encourage each other.
Following that, our women travelled through nature and got up close and personal with wildlife at West Midlands Safari Park, including the feeding of the giraffes. It taught everyone a lesson in patience as queues were quite long!
In mid August, we were geared up and ready to experience the muddy tracks in quad biking. This was another first-time experience for many and a little nerve-wrecking at first. Needless to say, the women thoroughly enjoyed it. One of the women shared, “After everything that has happened, I really needed this”.
At the end of August, we took a trip to the cinema and watched Reminiscence before touring the under-water world at the Sea Life Centre in Birmingham.
To end the magnificent weeks of the Summer Programme and all the memories made, the women will indulge in a Signature Spa Day and luxurious treatments, complimented by a spot of delicious Afternoon Tea. There’s nothing better than some self-care.
Following on from our Summer Programme, our Feeling Safe Group will resume to maintain tailored support for the women, including educational activities, awareness raising and a multitude of new and innovative ideas.
If you’d like to get involved, please check out our volunteer opportunities!
To say the least, this has been an incredible experience for all involved at Kairos WWT, and one that could not have been achieved without the strength of our women and the support of The National Lottery and our wonderful volunteers.
Written by Rebecca, Support Worker for Feeling Safe.