A PROGRAMME that helps people who have experience domestic abuse has been shortlisted for a national award.
A joint initiative between Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley, it is a contender in the Mental Health Innovation of the Year category of the Health Service Journal awards.
Called BRAVE (Building Resilience and Valuing Emotions after domestic abuse), it works with adults who have been in an abusive relationship and experience emotional difficulties as a result.
Over 12 weeks, it provides a safe space for victims to open up about their experiences and learn coping mechanisms. Afterwards, they can join a follow-up scheme which offers support for two years.
Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, was delighted with the project’s nomination, saying that BRAVE was a pioneering programme.
“I am pleased to fund this important project and am delighted that the transformative work of partners is being recognised in this way,” he said.
And Natasha Berthollier, consultant psychologist, and Jane Barker, BRAVE team lead, said in a joint statment: “We are proud and honoured that the voices of our BRAVE community have been recognised.
“Our innovative psychological programme, which is coproduced between staff and our clients, continually responds and adapts to meet the needs of our population.
“On behalf of our service users and BRAVE Ambassadors, we thank the OPCC for their ongoing, continuous support.”
