PCC WILL BE SENDING STATEMENT ACROSS

A YOUTH group supporting young people affected by domestic abuse is appealing for donations.

The group, which is part of Newport Women’s Aid, was set up in September and has funding from the Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) until March.

Gaynor Hennessy, family engagement worker at Newport Women’s Aid, said the group runs fortnightly and does a variety of activities.

She said: “It all began when I started working with young people who had been affected by domestic abuse.

"Their confidence gets knocked and they may not be going out or locking themselves away. Some may not want to leave their mum after witnessing the abuse, for instance.

“I thought we needed to do something for them.”

Dionne Rowe, children and young people coordinator at Newport Women’s Aid, said it is a “very small” group as most of them struggle with social situations.

“It is a big thing for them to come to this group,” Ms Rowe said. “Coming here may be the only interaction they get.

“This group is essential for them as some of them may not be going out if not. It gives them a reason to go out. Some of them have had to flee home so this is a way for them to make new friends.

“It is a huge thing, it can change their mentality.”

Ms Rowe said they have been doing arts and crafts and, for instance, they painted their own elf after going to buy the materials.

They did first aid with St John’s Ambulance and will be going to the Cineworld in Spytty soon to watch a film, she added.

Ms Rowe said: “We ask them what they fancy doing – they want to go the Wetlands when the weather gets better.

“We are open to everything, but we have a small budget. They would love to go out for food, so if any restaurants could make a donation, that would be brilliant.

"Any donations are more than welcome.”

To find out more, email Karen.ling@nptwomensaid.co.uk