OWLS is an award winning community group of experts with lived experience, which offers peer support for women that have, or are going through, domestic abuse. Our services support women and their children, to overcome physical, emotional, and financial abuse.
OWLS have been offering help and support to women who have experienced Domestic Violence in Stockport since 2016. We are a team of volunteers who have all had first hand experience of Domestic Violence and wish to help support other women in the same position. We offer a safe place for women to come and benefit from services we offer; these include 1-2-1 Peer Support, Coffee Mornings, Buddy System, Baby Massage and various courses. The courses offered include The Voice and Confidence Building. We also intend to introduce new courses which are currently under development and should be available next year.
Our Support Workers can also help individuals with Housing, Benefit claims, Children Social Care, Legal representation, food banks and also ladies who are moving to and from the area. OWLS also work with other organisations in the area such as SWA, Stockport Homes, Greater Manchester Police, Orange Umbrella, Brinnington Hub, Motiv8, Age UK, TPA, Children Social Care, Open Door, Healthy Minds, Pure Innovations, Family Drug and Alcohol Court, Local GP’S, Local Schools and others.
What we offer
The community group, which was originally set up by three women that met in a local refuge, currently offers:
1:1 Peer Support
For women that may not feel up to attending the coffee mornings but still want help and support on a one to one basis.
The Voice
The VOICE Programme is a ten-week psycho-educational programme for adults addressing domestic violence, coercive control and the behaviours that create the dynamic of intimate partner relationship abuse. Supporting victims to identify the broad spectrum of abusive behaviours, the process of dismantling that a victim goes through and the significant impact of such traumatic experiences.
Mother & Toddler Coffee mornings
We can now offer our service users a Mother and Toddler Coffee Morning Tuesday 10.30am -12pm. A chance to be with other mums to get support and friendships.
These are run term time only.
Coffee Mornings
A weekly coffee morning on Wednesday where we provide support and advice. The coffee mornings are very informal and we can signpost to other agencies including Foodbank and TLC.
Buddy System
Women who feel they want support for appointments ie Doctors, Hospital, Court and Solicitors, we can arrange for somebody to go with them.
Confidence Building Course
A four week course, that gives you the tools to helps build confidence and looks at wellbeing.
Drop In Sessions
Monday to Friday 10am-2pm for any advice or support that is needed, provided in a safe place.
Baby massage (appointment only)
Baby massage is a good way to increase the bond with baby and spend some good quality time with them with positive interaction. There are many health benefits for mother and baby. It can help baby with wind, constipation and teething to name a few. It also helps mum to understand her baby more and look for their cues.
Brinnington Big Local drop-in
Monday 10am-2pm for Brinnington residents to come along for advice and support in a safe place.