The community outreach therapeutic service is a project provided by Moray Women’s Aid, it offers community based 1-1 support, social inclusion drop in’s, peer support groups and a counselling service.
The project is has a therapeutic team leader, 2 community based therapeutic workers and 5 Person centred Counsellors. The counselling service is made up of 4 volunteer counsellors and a counsellor employed by Moray Women’s Aid.
The project provides effective intervention to improve the support available locally to women and girls who experience gender-based domestic abuse. The emphasis of this project is a mix of trauma informed crisis work, resettlement, community engagement and group work, it offers emotional support in understanding the impact of domestic abuse.
We aim to increase the support available to women who chose to remain in their own home or relationships by working alongside other agencies and sign posting to get additional supports in place, we also offer support to attend third party appointments including housing, solicitors, and applying for benefits. By engaging with community groups and working together we carry out person-centred assessments to ensure that all individual needs are recognised and an equal service is provided, thus leading to early and effective interventions preventing violence whilst promoting safety and wellbeing.
The project hopes to move women towards greater independence and self-determination by working with them to build their confidence and self-worth. Linking women and girls into their local communities addressing the isolation and loneliness many feel, especially those living in remote rural communities. We accept self-referrals and referrals from any professionals that seek permission from the women/girls they are working with.
1-1 Community support
Accessible support for those out in the community who cannot access Marleon House in Elgin and those in rural isolated areas.
Peer support Groups.
Informal Peer support groups aim to give women an opportunity to share experiences with their peers making them feel supported and not alone. They use the principles and core beliefs established by the “power to change” Daphne project. These are one-hour sessions and are facilitated at Marleon House and run consecutive for 6 weeks. Support can also be given 1-1 by using peer support group agenda for those who cannot make sessions due to working or family commitments.
Drop-in sessions.
These sessions are for anyone being supported by Moray women’s aid, and are aimed to help with Social inclusion. These run every Tuesday 4.30-6pm.
These nights provide an opportunity for individuals or families to socialise and participate in various activities such as quiz nights, prize bingo sessions, games night and party nights at Halloween and Christmas.
Mindfulness/arts/crafts/music/hand massage therapy sessions.
These sessions provide an opportunity for women to get some well-deserved R&R, mindfulness music will play and you can relax in a nice safe space with a lovely hot drink and get involved in a choice of activities from arts and crafts, to some relaxing hand massage therapy from our wonderful volunteers. We may use outside volunteer guests that will provide their services and this will be updated and displayed on the notice board in the Foyer of Marleon House.
The group work offered by the project is an essential part of the support for women. We have observed many women and girls over the years developing, flourishing, and gaining confidence. We are aiming to create a stronger and safer community which embraces equality and rejects all forms of violence against women and girls allowing them to thrive as equal citizens.
Community Outreach Therapeutic Office: 01343 205030
email : cots@mwaelgin.co.uk