SURREY County Council has received an award for its work with victims of domestic violence.
The 2013 Libraries Change Lives Award, awarded by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), was in recognition of a confidential scheme offering a safe haven to victims of domestic abuse.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, in Manchester, Phillip Wark, the CILIP's Chair of Judges, said:
"With their dedicated staff, libraries are trusted, safe and much-needed public spaces.
"This is a very powerful example of how librarians are helping those who need it the most."
In Autumn 2012, Surrey County Council Libraries began working on a project with East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services and Reigate and Banstead Women's Aid to increase awareness of physical and emotional abuse.
Vulnerable adults and children were given free and anonymous access to computers, information about support services and self-esteem building workshops in art and writing.
Poet Wendy French gave two creative writing sessions, first with a group of women and then with young people.
The resulting work,'Healing Words', was exhibited in Redhill Library during Domestic Abuse Awareness Week, in October 2012.
The East Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (ESDAS) said it received 1,758 reports of domestic abuse in 2011-2.
One Outreach worker, speaking anonymously, said:
"We often hear people say that Surrey is too nice an area for domestic abuse to happen – as if it only happens in certain areas, to certain people – but anyone can be affected by domestic abuse."
Helyn Clack, Surrey County Council Cabinet member for Community Services said: "This award recognises the excellent work our library teams do to help vulnerable people get the support they need to stay safe. "Victims lose their self-esteem and confidence, becoming isolated and even more vulnerable, and it is vital that they know they're not alone and can call on emotional and practical help, whether it's through our libraries, one of Surrey's excellent outreach services or the county's 24-hour helpline."
For confidential advice and information on domestic violence call East Surrey Outreach Service on 01737 771350.
The Your Sanctary website has advice on covering your Internet tracks from an abuser.
Their 24 hour helpline: 01483 776822 offers immediate support.
The 'Healing Hands' e-book can be downloaded from the Surrey County Council website.
The 2013 Libraries Change Lives Award, awarded by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), was in recognition of a confidential scheme offering a safe haven to victims of domestic abuse.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, in Manchester, Phillip Wark, the CILIP's Chair of Judges, said:
"With their dedicated staff, libraries are trusted, safe and much-needed public spaces.
"This is a very powerful example of how librarians are helping those who need it the most."
In Autumn 2012, Surrey County Council Libraries began working on a project with East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services and Reigate and Banstead Women's Aid to increase awareness of physical and emotional abuse.
Vulnerable adults and children were given free and anonymous access to computers, information about support services and self-esteem building workshops in art and writing.
Poet Wendy French gave two creative writing sessions, first with a group of women and then with young people.
The resulting work,'Healing Words', was exhibited in Redhill Library during Domestic Abuse Awareness Week, in October 2012.
The East Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (ESDAS) said it received 1,758 reports of domestic abuse in 2011-2.
One Outreach worker, speaking anonymously, said:
"We often hear people say that Surrey is too nice an area for domestic abuse to happen – as if it only happens in certain areas, to certain people – but anyone can be affected by domestic abuse."
Helyn Clack, Surrey County Council Cabinet member for Community Services said: "This award recognises the excellent work our library teams do to help vulnerable people get the support they need to stay safe. "Victims lose their self-esteem and confidence, becoming isolated and even more vulnerable, and it is vital that they know they're not alone and can call on emotional and practical help, whether it's through our libraries, one of Surrey's excellent outreach services or the county's 24-hour helpline."
For confidential advice and information on domestic violence call East Surrey Outreach Service on 01737 771350.
The Your Sanctary website has advice on covering your Internet tracks from an abuser.
Their 24 hour helpline: 01483 776822 offers immediate support.
The 'Healing Hands' e-book can be downloaded from the Surrey County Council website.
