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The future of Thrive – an Epping-based support group for survivors of domestic abuse – has been secured thanks to three significant donations.
Peer support
The group, which meets weekly with an average of 15 members is a safe space, offering peer support and professional facilitators.
Established almost a year ago the group is a partnership between the Epping Team Ministry, Epping Forest Health and Wellbeing Board, Changing Pathways and Epping Forest CSP and is a vital resource for women who have found the courage to leave abusive relationships.
Safe space for survivors
Thrive Project Coordinator, Phillis Njuguna said:
We have had an amazing journey of learning and growth since the group began.
We continue to be a safe space for our survivors on their journey and welcome women every Tuesday during term time.
Members continue to give us positive feedback of how they are benefitting from our meetings. We have engaged more with different professionals, increased our knowledge of how we handle trauma and encouraged counselling for our survivors.
Peer support and the power of shared experiences, in a warm and welcoming non-judgemental environment is crucial to the success of the group. We also offer wellness sessions, open forum discussions and signposting and referrals to other agencies.
Emotional and practical support
A grant of £6000 has been received from Essex Community Foundation – including £1500 from the High Sheriffs Fund – together with the proceeds of St John’s Church Tree Festival in Epping and a significant private donation securing the group’s existence for the foreseeable future.
Cllr Holly Whitbread, Chair of Epping Forest Community Safety Partnership said:
This is great news for this much-needed group which brings together a number of organisations to provide emotional and practical support for women escaping domestic abuse.
Its success has grown in the past year and there is always room for new members, so I would urge any women in our district who need support to contact the Thrive Support group.
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