A Lurgan-based initiative which aims to provide an early-intervention response to Violence Against Women and Girls has been recognised as a finalist in the ‘Partnerships’ category at this year’s PSNI Problem Solving Awards.
The annual awards celebrate problem-solving initiatives across the Police Service.
And, according to the PSNI, with so many amazing joint initiatives being implemented each year in local communities, it is more important than ever to highlight those who have gone above and beyond to keep people safe, through inspiring and ground-breaking projects.
One such initiative is the Girls’ Empowerment Programme in Lurgan.
A collaboration between the PSNI, local Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), and the Education Authority, the programme was developed as a trauma-informed, early-intervention response to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area.
Delivered through local youth clubs in Lurgan, an area with high levels of social deprivation and, historically, low levels of trust in authority, the project was tailored towards girls aged between 12 and 14.
It sought to address risks to girls such as grooming, coercion and domestic abuse through exploration of real-life challenges, issue-based learning and facilitated discussions.
Constable Laura Cathcart, from the Lurgan Neighbourhood Policing Team, helped with the project.
She said: “The girls participated in educational workshops on topics like healthy relationships, consent, substance misuse, and online safety and were able to skill-build through make-up accreditations and vocational visits to ‘People First’, a local training organisation which offers a range of courses over a wide variety of subjects. This in turn enabled the girls to build their self-esteem and boost their future aspirations.
“Throughout the programme there were multiple external partners who provided their time and expertise including; Women’s Aid, Invisible Traffick, Start 360, PIPs, People First, PCSP/ABC Council and EA Youth Service.
“The programme also helped foster greater social integration and cohesion by bringing together girls from different community backgrounds via the two youth clubs, Taghnevan Youth Club and Youth Annex, in a safe and supportive space.
“Subsequent assessment showed that those who took part in the Girls’ Empowerment Programme experienced significantly improved confidence and emotional literacy.
“A major success for us was also the strengthened relationship between the girls and police, with many reporting increased trust and a greater willingness to seek help.
“By challenging harmful social norms, promoting positive choices and providing a supportive peer network, the programme established a sustainable foundation for long-term resilience and safeguarding, broadened horizons and empowered young women to take charge of their futures with confidence and ambition.”
