Safety Net supports those affected by rape, exploitation, sexual and domestic abuse across Cumbria.
We offer advice, support, therapy and a safe space to help people recover from the trauma of abuse.
We offer holistic and trauma informed services.
Our staff are trained to understand how trauma from abuse can affect a persons body and brain. This sort of trauma can be life-changing, it leaves some clients feeling unable to cope and move on. Our therapy aims to improve their wellbeing and quality of life, and it’s offered in a way that is safe and at a pace that suits the client.
When we first meet someone, we spend time with them to understand the struggles they are facing and how their life has been impacted. We then work with them so they have a better understanding of the impact of abuse and trauma on their mind and body.
We work with clients to build their own tools and techniques to help them manage their thoughts and emotions, so they feel less overwhelmed. Therapeutic work can then begin, meeting with clients regularly, working on the issues that are important to them.
When people come for therapy or counselling, they often believe they must remember and re-tell abusive incidents in detail. This is not our approach at Safety Net. For some people 'remembering' is not recovering - we will never encourage clients to talk about their traumatic experiences unless they feel this is something they need or want to do.
How our tiered services work
Following assessment, clients are offered support based on the following tiers, depending on their needs:
Tier 1: Immediate information, advice, and advocacy
Providing advice around court procedures, pre-trial advice and support, linking you in with and liaising with other agencies and services, as well as advice and support to professionals and family members (up to 3 sessions).
Tier 2: Short term, trauma-informed stabilisation work
As well as practical support with housing, benefits, court procedures and your health needs, our specialist practitioners can provide strategies to improve your safety and ability to cope. This can include mindfulness, relaxation, sleep and self-care techniques, as well as psycho-educational work on the impact trauma has on the brain and on the body (up to 12 sessions on average.)
Tier 3: Longer term counselling and therapeutic support
We have a team of specialist trained therapists and counsellors who work within a trauma-informed model. Our counsellors and therapists provide a safe, trusting, non-judgemental and confidential space where you can build a therapeutic relationship with your counsellor to explore how your trauma is impacting your life now. The duration of this support is adjusted according to need (max of 20-25 sessions on average).
Tier 4: Recovery community and relationship building
We work in partnership with other charities, groups, gyms and clubs to support integration back into the community, helping you to build social networks and relationships. We also have peer mentors and befrienders to support you when you have finished therapy or support at Safety Net. Our work in this area includes an arts and crafts group, and a specific men’s group, managed by volunteers, many of whom have been clients.
