“It’s helped me learn that if people do things to me, I have people in my life I can talk to.”
EdShift exists to change how children affected by domestic abuse are recognised and supported. Through the arts, we help young people express difficult experiences, rebuild confidence, and move towards safer, healthier futures.
The impact of domestic abuse on children and young people is profound. The most recent Crime Survey for England and Wales found that 2.3 million people aged 16–59 experienced domestic abuse in 2023/24.
Behind these numbers are children and young people living with fear, shame and harm that can affect every part of their lives.
The long-term impact of living with domestic abuse cannot be overstated. Research shows the likelihood of mental health diagnoses significantly increases for children affected by domestic abuse, including:
Children need physical and emotional safety, trusted relationships, and safe spaces where they can speak openly to adults who will believe them and listen without judgement.
EdShift exists because young survivors deserve to be recognised, supported, and given space to recover at their own pace. We provide creative, specialist support across a continuum of need, from early help and safety resources to therapeutic programmes for children who meet clinical thresholds.
To redefine relationships for the next generation.
A world where every child and young person has the courage, support, and skills to build healthy, equal, and fulfilling relationships.
Through the power of the arts, EdShift creates trusted spaces where children affected by domestic abuse can express themselves, be heard, and begin to heal.
Our programmes build emotional awareness, coping strategies, safety skills, and understanding of healthy relationships.
EdShift @ The YouthBase is our creative and therapeutic home in Calderdale. It’s a space where children and young people aged 4–21 can meet safe adults, connect with peers, and explore emotions through the arts. For families, referrers, professionals, and multi-agency partners, The YouthBase offers guidance, collaboration, practical support, and a place to reconnect.
It has become an anchor in the community, a place children, families, and professionals can return to for support, creativity, care, and hope.
Our values shape how we work with children, families, schools, professionals, partners, and each other.
Creativity helps children express what can be difficult to put into words. It gives young people space to explore feelings, make choices, build confidence, and imagine new possibilities.
Courage means standing with young survivors and challenging the attitudes, behaviours, and systems that allow domestic abuse and violence to continue.
Safety is the foundation of our work. We create spaces where children feel secure, respected, and supported at a pace that feels right for them.
Healing happens through connection. We build trusted relationships with children, families, schools, and communities, creating networks of care that reach beyond individual sessions.
Our specialist team brings together expertise in domestic abuse support, trauma-informed practice, art therapy, safeguarding, youth work, education, and community support. Together, we bring care, creativity, and specialist knowledge to every part of EdShift’s work.
Explore EdShift’s programmes, make a referral, or support our work.
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