The Bransholme Women's Centre has expanded its support work for families who are experiencing domestic violence or crisis by appointing a children's domestic violence and crisis support worker, Sheree Braithwaite, through successful funding from the Children's Fund.

The centre already provides a support service for women who have experienced violence and abuse, plus an outreach service for women who may be isolated and experiencing depression. Sheree is a welcome addition to the children of the women who use these services.

The women who use the Safe Women's Project identified a need for support for their children to help them through the experience of violence and/or crisis in their lives.

This new support service aims to help and empower children. According to work conducted by Nacro (National Association of Care and Resettlement of Offenders) in 2001, approximately 12 per cent of children in the Hull area are living in homes where there is domestic violence.

Statistics are a cold reminder of a very human problem and violence in our homes is a social issue, which needs addressing. Although Sheree will support children to build up their confidence and help them cope with their experiences, she will also work with children who have had issues such as bereavement, adoption, divorce of parents and relocation of family to a new area.

Although fairly new to the post, Sheree is delighted to be working with the team at the Bransholme Women's Centre and reports this new project is important because it gives the children the opportunity to be listened to and be able to express their emotions.

Sheree's support work can involve arts and crafts, playing games, music and outings for the children and the support work can be individual or in groups, with all the children being reassured that they are not alone with their feelings.

This service at the Women's Centre is available to families in the Noddle Hill area of Bransholme. Ring (01482) 828755 for details.