Lotus

Lotus is your local small, friendly, independent family charity with a specialism in domestic abuse.

Our services:

1) Lotus Domestic Abuse Recovery Programme

We understand that healing from the wounds of domestic abuse can feel like an overwhelming journey, but you are not alone. Our Lotus Recovery Programme offers a safe harbour, a gentle breeze guiding you towards restoration and empowerment.

What does our programme entail?

(i) 6-Week Haven: Join our nurturing domestic abuse recovery group, a sanctuary where educational and therapeutic sessions intertwine to gently guide you through your journey.

(ii) Personalised Care: Experience tailored one-to-one IDVA support from our compassionate staff, trained to walk alongside you on your path to healing.

Who is this programme for?

If you are a female residing in East Sussex or Brighton & Hove, and you've ridden the storm of domestic abuse, finding yourself now in a place of safety and readiness to reclaim your life, then this programme is designed especially for you.

What can you expect?

Safe Spaces: Engage in open discussions about the types of domestic abuse you've endured, while reflecting on the subtle warning signs that may have once gone unnoticed.

Nurturing Healthy Bonds: Delve into the essence of healthy relationships, reclaiming your understanding of love, respect, and mutual support.

Reclaiming Control: Explore the profound impact that domestic abuse has had on your life and discover empowering strategies to regain control and autonomy.

Building Resilience: Embrace tools to manage anxiety, cultivate confidence, and nurture assertiveness, empowering you to stride confidently towards a brighter tomorrow.

Parenting Support: If you are a parent, receive guidance and practical tips to navigate the unique challenges of parenting children who may have also weathered the storm of trauma.

How to embark on this journey?

To take the first step towards your blossoming, reach out to us via email, phone, or visit our website. Your journey to healing begins with a single act of courage.

Let the Lotus programme be your guiding light as you embark on the path towards renewal, strength, and inner peace. You are deserving, you are resilient, and you are capable of reclaiming the life you deserve.

2) Child/Adolescent to Parent Violence/Abuse (CAPVA)

Navigating the challenges of parenting can sometimes feel like climbing a mountain, especially when faced with the painful reality of violence or abuse from your own child. But know this — you are not alone. Our CAPVA Programme offers a beacon of hope, a sanctuary where healing, support, and empowerment converge to guide you through this challenging journey.

What does our programme offer?

(i) 8-Week Oasis: Immerse yourself in our child/adolescent to parent violence/abuse group, a transformative space where educational and therapeutic sessions support you on your path to healing.

(ii) Personalised Support: Experience tailored one-to-one support from our compassionate IDVA staff, trained to provide safety planning, guidance, and support, primarily over phone or Zoom, to both group attendees and other family members, including siblings.

Who is this programme for?

If you're a parent or caregiver that lives in East Sussex or Brighton & Hove, dealing with the pain and stress of violence or abuse from your child, (aged 8-17), this programme is designed especially for you. While our attendees are primarily mothers, we warmly welcome all parents and caregivers experiencing abuse from their children.

What are the objectives of our programme?

Healing Family Bonds: Empower parents and other family members to heal relationships and respond confidently to their child's abusive behaviour, fostering a path towards bringing your family back together and feeling complete again.

Ensuring Safety: Reduce risk to yourself and other family members, including siblings, creating a secure environment where everyone can thrive.

Enhancing Wellbeing: Improve mental health and overall wellbeing, providing a nurturing space for emotional healing and growth.

Fostering Relationships: Strengthen family relationships, nurturing connections built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.

Preventing Harm: Lead to fewer instances of serious harm to women, men, and siblings.

Promoting Long-Term Success: Reduce the likelihood of children developing a criminal record, paving the way for brighter, more promising futures.

Creating Social Change: By addressing this often-hidden form of abuse, we contribute to transforming societal responses, supporting victims, and intervening with families to prevent future domestic abuse.

What can you expect from our online groups?

Our sessions cover a spectrum of abuse types, including physical, emotional, psychological, controlling, coercive, and financial, providing comprehensive support tailored to your needs.

How to join this transformative journey?

To embark on this journey towards healing and empowerment, reach out to us via email, phone, or visit our website. Your decision to seek support marks a courageous step towards reclaiming peace, safety, and harmony within your family.

3) Lotus Blossom Domestic Abuse Recovery Peer Support Groups

Are you ready to use your strength and resilience to support others on their healing journey from domestic abuse? Welcome to Lotus Blossom Peer Support Groups – a nurturing space where survivor-sisters come together to offer mutual support and guidance. 

What are Lotus Blossom Peer Support Groups? 

Our peer support groups are weekly gatherings held via Zoom, providing a warm and welcoming environment for survivor-led healing and growth. 

What happens in our groups? 

🌺 Strength in Numbers: Victim-survivors come together to offer support and encouragement. 

🌼 Safe Haven: A sanctuary facilitated by trained Peer Support Mentors where you can freely explore your thoughts and feelings. 

🌷 Continued Growth: For those who have completed our Lotus programme, these groups offer further support and community. 

How to become a Peer Support Mentor? 

Imagine being the beacon of light that guides others out of the darkness. Our Peer Support Mentors, all with lived experience of domestic abuse, undergo a transformative journey themselves: 

🌟 Begin by attending our 6-week Lotus group to learn about the different types of abuse, including the early warning signs – and for solidarity and support.  

🌟 Receive specialised training to facilitate Lotus Blossom groups. 

🌟 Be supported by our dedicated coordinator every step of the way. 

🌟 Empower others by leading with compassion. 

Are you ready to join hands with us? 

If you're ready to extend a helping hand to others, Lotus Blossom Peer Support Groups offer a community of strength and resilience. Reach out to us today to embark on this transformative journey of healing and empowerment. 

4) Lotus Domestic Abuse Recovery IDVA Service for Trans and Non-Binary People

Our IDVA service is designed with you at the forefront, led by your needs and experiences. Our goal is to provide a safe haven for you and your loved ones, focusing on your healing journey and empowering you as you move forward. You have the freedom to choose how you receive support from our IDVAs. Whether it's through a phone call, text, email, or Zoom, we are here to connect with you in the way that feels most comfortable. 

IDVA support includes: 

• Co-designing a personalised safety plan
• Offering emotional support
• Providing guidance through legal processes
• Assisting with legal applications
• Connecting you with other support services
• Coordinating with professionals on your behalf
• Offering assistance with financial and housing matters

We recognise the heightened vulnerability of trans and non-binary individuals to domestic abuse and offer an immediate, discreet, and customized IDVA service specifically for them. 

For those who prefer support from a specialist service within the trans and non-binary community, please contact Brighton Switchboard. 

5) Managing Money Safely in Relationships

This free 2-hour online session is to help women protect their money in relationships and to avoid being financially abused. We'll talk spotting financial abuse, knowing warning signs, and setting up ways to keep your money safe. You'll learn practical skills, like how to talk openly about money and set boundaries. We'll use real-life stories and activities to make it interesting and easy to understand. Plus, we'll share info on legal help and support if you need it. Come and join us and start taking charge of your finances while building healthy relationships.