The Children’s IDVA service offers specialist emotional and practical support to children and young people affected by domestic abuse.
This can be through witnessing domestic abuse within the family or direct experience (young people in their own relationships).
Established in 2009, The DEN team have been delivering high quality tailored support to hundreds of children and young people in the Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre areas.
We have a team of highly trained and qualified staff to be able to achieve this standard of support.
At The DEN we believe that all children and young people should be given the best opportunity to thrive in life, regardless of their experiences.
Who can use the service?
Any child or young person living in the Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre area who is:
- Currently living in a home with domestic abuse.
- Having contact with the abusive parent/perpetrator of abuse.
- Experiencing abuse within their own intimate relationship.
- Currently on a child protection/child in need plan due to exposure of domestic abuse.
- Part of a family which has been referred to MARAC (Fylde & Wyre District only).
Professionals: Things we offer...
1:1 Support
Children are allocated their own Children’s independent domestic violence adviser (CIDVA). The CIDVA will meet in a safe place (often school) allowing the child/young person a confidential safe space to share their experiences whilst gaining knowledge on the following topic areas: Safety planning, support networks, feeling and emotions, healthy and unhealthy relationships, self-esteem and resilience.
Group Sessions
These sessions raise awareness of domestic abuse, encourage children and young people to engage with others in a safe space and cover all topics outlines in the one to one support.
Positive Activities
During school holiday we offer a range of activities to the children and young people we support. These activities provide time to relax, try new things and most importantly have fun!
Youth Provision
Weekly sessions at The DEN, based at the Empowerment Base. These sessions are open to all children and young people who have/are accessing support. A CIDVA will be available for support, as well as providing a safe space to meet other children and young people.
Young People: The DEN & Your CIDVA
Your Safe Space at the Base
The DEN Team
Kerrie Fawcett
Adele Holloway
Ellie-May
How to Refer To Us
If you require any more information on our support, or would like to discuss a referral, please do not hesitate to contact one of The DEN team on:
For professionals: contact us on 0300 32 32 100 (option 3)
e-mail The_den@empowermentcharity.org.uk to request a referral form.
For young people: Please speak to a member of school staff about our service.
Online Referal Form
If you wish to refer to us online then please fill out and submit our online referal form below…