Training Review 2024-2025

Training Annual Report

External Training

As we moved into a full year of our new training strategy, we were excited about the enquiries coming through regarding our new offer of free training. This training: The Impact of Domestic Abuse in the Workplace helps employers with their duty of care to safeguard their employee’s around domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse awareness is crucial for employers as it directly impacts workplace well-being, productivity, and employee retention. Recognising the signs of domestic abuse allows organisations to create supportive environments that can foster safety and trust for affected employees. Research indicates that victims may experience decreased performance, increased absenteeism, and a higher likelihood of workplace accidents due to the emotional turmoil associated with abusive situations. By implementing comprehensive awareness programs, a domestic abuse policy as well as highlighting that support services are available, allows victims to feel supported by their employer and that there is a life beyond abuse. Employers not only enhance their corporate social responsibility but also cultivate a culture of empathy and respect. Furthermore, developing an environment where employees feel safe discussing personal challenges can lead to improved morale and loyalty, ultimately benefiting the organisation while promoting a healthier workplace culture. It also builds a direct link between the organisation and Lighthouse, therefore providing a pathway for victims or survivors of domestic abuse, including advice and support for employers, and employees who may be concerned about family members or friends. 

During 202/25 we have delivered this training to several businesses and organisations both large and small, some have been more specialist, looking particularly at financial/economic abuse with Natwest, youth workers with Community Action Suffolk. We have been pleased to work with several GP Surgeries as time can be limited in appointments and therefore staff having an increased knowledge of the signs of DA, how it can impact a victim and where to signpost for support is essential.  We have also delivered several Lunch & Learns to businesses to help raise awareness, which have proven popular to begin the processes of opening up the conversation around domestic abuse.

The feedback we have received has been excellent and we look forward to connecting with more organisations that recognise the importance of DA Awareness training for their organisation.

Our Trauma Informed Practice training also continues to be popular, with those organisations that already support clients, as this allows practitioners to view clients through a trauma informed lens. The training looks at causes of trauma, the challenges of working with people who have experienced trauma and gives effective ways of working with people who have been impacted in this way.

 Networking

Networking has become essential to help Lighthouse build links with businesses and organisations across Suffolk. Lighthouse is a member of Ipswich & Suffolk Small Business Association (ISSBA) and during 2024 we were thrilled to be their charity of the year. This enabled us to have a free stand at their annual Anglia Business Exhibition at Trinity Park in May. We were able to hold a raffle and were very grateful for the many raffle prizes donated by the ISSBA members. We raised over £1,300 and had a wonderful day connecting with many businesses from across East Anglia.

 I have also had the pleasure of delivering a DA Awareness session at some networking events and look forward to connecting with more businesses and organisations in the coming year. 

 Crucial Crew

 It was another amazing year at Crucial Crew in June. This year we revised our session to look more closely at Domestic Abuse and Healthy Relationships, and what both can look and feel like.

We delivered our new session to 1,435 young people aged 10 – 11 yrs over a two-week period. Knowledge of domestic abuse for young people is vital, as it can give them a name for something that might be happening in their family, the understanding that it is not right and that they can reach out to trusted adults for support. Understanding what constitutes a healthy relationship and that we should all expect this within all our relationships is hugely important. As these young people grow and in turn have intimate relationships themselves, they need to have the confidence to question if a relationship is healthy or not, seek out advice and support and know to remove themselves from it, if they feel it is not healthy.

In-house Training

Our in-house training offer is constantly reviewed to ensure that we are providing what is required, this year staff have completed Safeguarding, Domestic Abuse Awareness, Trauma Informed Practice, DASH, Equality & Diversity as well as GDPR which we have recently updated in line with new guidance. We are always looking for new opportunities for training to help staff deliver the best possible outcome for clients.

And finally

In July we said a fond farewell to Debra Gingell, our trainer, as she returned to her hometown in the beautiful county of Devon. I was honoured to take on the role of Trainer and continue to build on the work that Debra had started.

 If you would like to find out more information about Lighthouse training please contact deb@lighthousewa.org.uk or visit our website www.lighthousewa.org.uk

 Deb Johnson – Business & Fundraising Manager