Support Options
Anyone can make a referral to us, either yourself, a friend, a family member or another agency. Please ensure that you have the woman’s consent before making a referral on her behalf. We support women who have experienced domestic abuse whether recently or in the past. The initial support meetings are generally in our office based in Saltcoats but we can arrange to meet you in a safe place if you are unable to attend.
At North Ayrshire Women’s Aid we can also make referrals to other services.
What Happens Once We Receive a Referral?
Referrals to us are taken by a member of our dedicated staff team who will then support you through your journey with us. We respond to all referrals within 48 hours. We will offer you an initial appointment to discuss support options.
Following on from this, we have a semi-structured program of support which your worker will support you throughout. They will also help you to build a support plan around your individual needs. This could include seeking refuge, finding a lawyer, or going through options if you are planning to leave, as well as dealing with the emotional effects of having experienced domestic abuse.
Once you are reaching the end of your program of support your worker will have monthly check-ins if required. There will also be volunteering opportunities and you can join the peer support group.
Support Sessions
We have a number of workshops that are available to all women in the service. The Monday Mum and baby group, Wednesday Craft Session, Thursday Knit and Natter and photography and the Friday lunch club are open to all local women. The Emotions and Abuse Recovery Workshops are structured programmes that must be booked in advance. Call 01242 602424 to discuss.
- Monday 10am – 12 noon Knit and Natter– a social session run by volunteers, a chance to come along for a cuppa, a chat and knit or learn to knit with other women.
- Monday 10am – 12 noon – NAWA mum and baby group. Open to all mum’s and babies up to 1 years old. A range of age appropriate activities and advice.
- Tuesday 2pm-4pm – NAWA book club, come for the books and stay for the chat.
- Emotions Workshop – this is a guided programme in which participants will work through emotions, coping techniques, building strength, self-esteem and confidence.
- Wednesday Craft Session – run by volunteers, this is a relaxed group programme of crafting with other women.
- Domestic Abuse Recovery Workshop – moving on from and understanding the different types of abuse, recognising warning signs and red flags, and breaking the cycle of abuse.
- Thursday 10am – 12 noon – Photography Club, get snappy and explore your local area. No experience necessary all you need is a mobile phone.
- Historical Abuse Recovery Workshop – for those women who now feel ready to explore their experience in a safe environment.
- Friday Lunch club 10am – 12noon – run by the volunteers, this is a social session in which participants can enjoy a nutritious meals in a relaxed environment.
- Friday Self Care Club 2pm – 4pm – Open to all women, focus on reconnecting and recharging through meaningful and mindful activities.
Refuge Support
We provide refuge accommodation for those in need with properties throughout North Ayrshire. Whilst in refuge accommodation you will be given 1:1 support with a NAWA worker.
Once you move on from refuge accommodation, your worker will help you to settle into your new home and will provide on going support for the remainder of your journey.
There is an out of hours on-call service for all women within refuge. This is to provide emergency support for the hours when staff are not available. Click here to learn more about refuge.
NAWA Workers
Our advocacy worker provides 1-to-1 emotional and practical support to women who are at the highest risk of harm, working from the point of crisis. They can provide support with attending court, lawyers appointments, social work, etc. With specialist knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse and its effects on women, children and young people, we will listen to you, validate your experience and provide support.
