SpotLight

SpotLight is EdShift’s early intervention programme that supports children and young people aged 4 – 19 who living with or affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Shaping Beliefs

Our primary relationships are key in shaping us and our understanding of the world. Early relationships, where there is abuse and violence can have a long-term impact on children.

Children exposed to violence and abuse are at higher risk of developing mental health issues in later life if they don’t receive early access to support.

Experience of domestic violence can lead to hypervigilance, where the brain reacts more to threat. This may help a child stay safe in an early adverse environment, but it can become problematic in a more ordinary environment.

There are a wide range of effects that children might experiences in circumstances of domestic violence, which include but are not limited to:

Aggression/anger to mother and/or others
Introversion/Withdrawal
Feeling guilty/blame
Secretive/silent/unable to tell
Self-blame
Difficulties at School
Bed Wetting
Truanting/running away
Fear/insecurity/tension

Trauma Informed approaches

We use trauma informed approaches and support children to develop coping strategies so they can deal with the demands of their home environment. We work with children between 6 – 8 weeks, however if we feel the child needs further support, we may recommend children access the other programmes we offer so we are giving them a greater chance to overcome their adverse experiences.

Tricky Feelings

Practitioners support children to recognise their triggers and develop strategies to help them self-regulate and manage tricky feelings.

All children and young people are encouraged to express themselves through the transformative power of the arts, which provides them with an alternative channel to communicate and make sense of complex feelings and emotions.

We offer children a safe space where they experience a non-negotiable sense of self-worth. This can be in school or at The YouthBase.