The AVA Program

At the start of 2020 The Smile for Georgie Foundation was approached by Safer to support a new community group initiative for Guernsey aimed at helping children, young people and their mothers who have experienced domestic violence (the “AVA Program”).

The AVA program addresses the following core issues:

• validation of the children’s experiences
• understanding abuse
• reducing self-blame
• safety planning
• managing appropriate and inappropriate expressions of emotion
• the mother-child relationship

The charity agreed to support the AVA program in the belief that if we could help just one family to see a better future then it would be worthwhile. The course ran throughout 2020 with the obvious disruption and concluded last month. We would like to share a few of the anonymous testimonials we have just received:

Testimonial 1

I wasn’t sure what to expect when signing up for this. Going through domestic abuse has been very traumatising and I didn’t know if I was ready to discuss it openly or hear other people’s stories. The first week or so was strange but as the group settled in and got more comfortable with one another, I began to find it beneficial. Listening to other people’s stories made me realise that I am not alone in what I have been through. My feelings, experiences and emotions were justified and that has been a vital part of my healing process. Stick with it as it will be amazing for you and your children.

Testimonial 2

The first few weeks of the course made me want to cry, it brought back a lot of memories and emotions. The outcomes of the course were amazing the discussions with others have made me feel stronger, positive and the future is bright. The staff and other members of the course were amazing and provided me with the support others may not understand.

Testimonial 3

Dear mum, well done for starting at the beginning of this journey, I hope you will find it valuable. You may cry and laugh but you will also grow. I wish you a good journey.

Testimonial 4

Before the group started I was scared. I didn’t Know what to expect but getting to know the others in the group put me at ease straight away. Getting to share what had happened and for others to get it and that I wasn’t crazy or deluded. I found friends whom I can trust. My advice to you is be honest with yourself and each other. Allow yourself to heal you deserve it.! Stick at it although it’s a hard journey it is so worth it for you and your children. We all deserve happiness and safety.

I hope that you agree that we helped to make a difference.

Thank you for supporting our Charity