GMB WILKINSON MEMBERS SUPPORT VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

GMB members make £250 donation Cyfannol mentoring project specialising in dealing with the long term effects of domestic abuse on boys and young men

Members of GMB’s W21 Branch were pleased to make a donation to a local charity in Monmouthshire that works with boys and young men that have witnessed and experienced domestic abuse at a young age. [1]

The Cyfannol Mentoring Project is a BBC Children in Need funded programme based in Monmouthshire. Young men and boys referred to the programme will have witnessed domestic abuse in their young lives and have often become confused, angry, lonely or upset.

The project gives the children some problem free time with a solution focused approach to build on their identity and prepare them to develop into confident, caring young men.  

The children benefit tremendously from a positive adult role model in their life to encourage life-long attitude changes, self-belief and confidence.

The charity is looking to expand its reach to ensure all young boys referred get an opportunity to partake in this special project.

The Cyfannol Mentoring Project relies on volunteers [1] and currently there are a high level of referrals to the programme.

This means a long waiting list of children waiting for support and GMB is proud to make a small donation to help the charity continue and expand its good work.

Billy Gaskell, Chair of GMB’s W21 branch said:

“The work they do with young men is so vital and important in ensuring that we tackle the dark issue of domestic abuse.

“As a branch we’re proud to support them and hope it will go some way to expanding the project, and helping the victims.”

Jay Ryan, Mentoring Co-ordinator for the project said: 

“On behalf of the charity and I’d like to thank GMB members for their generous donation.

“Domestic Abuse has psychological effects on a child which can last a life-time with no intervention. This project has had some real success stories and is turning the lives of many young people around. This donation will go some way to continuing that.

“We’re currently seeking volunteers who could commit to a couple of hours a week to mentor a child between the ages of 5 – 16yrs, so if anyone would like to get involved please get in touch.”