Skills Share & Peer Support Sessions for BAME Women Survivors of Domestic Abuse, facilitated by Contento Social Homes, are a significant initiative providing essential support to those affected by domestic violence and are living under the constraints of a spousal visa in the UK, oftentimes, with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF). These women are ineligible for most state-provided benefits, including housing assistance, during their wait for a possible destitution domestic violence (DDV) concession.
Contento Social Homes’ effort is bolstered by the funding from The Health Lottery and The People’s Health Trust, which has been instrumental since September 2022. Coordinated by Uju Okonkwo and supported by Progress Ndlovu, Khushi Randhawa, Tameena Zafar, and with translation help from Farva Javaid, the fortnightly sessions encompass activities such as cooking, baking, confidence building, computer skills, and lessons in self-love and self-care.
The impact of these sessions is profound, as they not only offer mental and social support but also aim to break the cycle of abuse by equipping survivors with the skills needed for reintegration into society and financial independence, thus reducing the potential burden on taxpayers. The survivors’ voices highlight the crucial need for support and upskilling to avoid reverting to abusive environments due to financial dependencies. These Peer Support Sessions stand as a beacon of hope and empowerment for these women as they navigate their journey towards a self-sustained and independent life.
