On Thursday 21^st August, Abi Glynn from ‘Come Have A Talk’ (CHAT) visited the Safespots centre to hold a training session for our staff. CHAT is a drop-in Mental Health Crisis hub based in Wythenshawe, which offers emotional support and immediate practical solutions to those in need. 

The session was titled, ‘Mental & Emotional Resilience: Resilience Techniques’ and initially focused on exploring common stressors that may arise and accrue within the workplace and/or our personal lives. After recognising these challenges, the training highlighted how resultant anxiety may physically and emotionally manifest, and the difference between healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms to combat stress. We really appreciated that the session actively involved Safespots staff with multiple opportunities for group discussion and reflection, in addition to interactive tasks, e.g., ‘Self-Care Bingo.’

We would like to give a massive thank you to Abi, and the wider CHAT team, for connecting with Safespots and for hosting this insightful workshop. We look forward to continuing to work with CHAT and strengthening our existing relationship in the future.

If you are interested in seeking support from CHAT, please see the information below:

Website:

• www.roc.uk.com

Contact:

• Phone: 07880247085 or 07469069637
• Email: chatwyth@gmail.com

Time:

• 10am-3pm

Locations:

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays

• Village 135, 3 Hollyhedge Court Road, Wythenshawe, M22 4ZP

Wednesday only

• The Mess Café, Lancaster House, Harper Road, Sharston, Wythenshawe, Manchester M22 4RG
• The Forum, Forum Grove, Wythenshawe, Manchester M22 5RX

A journey through Safespots

We have various individual and group rooms to accommodate all our ladies’ varying needs. 

Butterfly Room

Comforting Chloe’s Room

Our Wellbeing Room

With our ever-expanding Tree of Life!

Can you believe we’ve been here 8 whole years now? Us either! Weve grown and learnt so much, and so have all our amazing ladies! We celebrated with cake, balloons and lots of gratitude for all the support and help we’ve been able to offer all of our ladies with over these 8 years. 

Weve had some big changes over the last 3 years since our last birthday update, which includes expanding our team, our new partnership with WoW (Women of Wythenshawe), Chiesi LTD and even working closely with GMP South Manchester.

We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our volunteers, funders, trustees and community partners. The past 8 years has been an amazing journey and we look forward to continuing our work in the years to come.

Back in 2016 Wythenshawe Safespots, alongside Tom Watson MP and Mike Kane MP, kick started the Scrap the Fee Campaign. Women up and down the country who had been victims of abuse were being charged by their GP for a letter as proof of this in order for them to access legal aid so that they could be supported and represented in the court process.

Safespots raised this issue with Mike and Tom and were supported to launch a national campaign to Scrap The Fee. This campaign received the support of thousands via an online petition. The government acknowledged the campaign and made changes so that victims could get the letter from more sources including domestic abuse organisations and housing providers.

Safespots believed this still wasn’t enough. They continued to campaign. Earlier this year as part of the domestic abuse bill, Scrap The Fee was considered. The campaign received support through Parliament and is now set to be legislated for as part of the Domestic Abuse Bill. This means that no GP across England or Wales will be able to charge women for that letter.

Mike Kane MP says:

“I would like to congratulate the women of Safespots for their commitment to this campaign and for their commitment to the safety of women in Wythenshawe and Sale East. Victims of abuse should never be charged for a piece of paper to prove they have been affected by this terrible scourge upon women. I hope the removal of this barrier will make it easier for women to access to legal representation and justice. I am incredibly proud to have this survivor led service based in my constituency”

Sarah Judge from Safespots says:

“I am delighted that this has now been brought into law. No woman should ever be faced with the decision of whether to feed their family or keep their family safe. I want to say a big thank you to Lord Kennedy for championing this cause. It is amazing that a small grass roots organisation from Wythenshawe has stepped up and changed the law.”

Wythenshawe Safespots was established in 2015. It is a community led domestic abuse service based in Wythenshawe Town Centre offering holistic support, advice and guidance to women who have experienced abuse.

If you or somebody you know needs help you can get in touch on 07873889637 or email info@safespots.org.uk. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday 9.30 – 4.30.