EDUCATION AND TRAINING

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE PROGRAMS

The Purple Leaf Programme is an educational resource, run by West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC), created to increase young people’s awareness of sexual abuse, to equip them with the skills, knowledge and tools to be able to identify uncomfortable feelings, and to know where to go for help and support.

 

The resource is designed for children and young people aged from 10 to 18. Each session is tailored for the relevant group, using age-appropriate materials. The Purple Leaf Programme covers the following outcomes:

  • Young people will have an increased understanding of consent, both in the context of seeking consent and giving consent
  • Young people will be able to identify factors that might make a relationship healthy or unhealthy
  • Young people will be able to identify uncomfortable feelings
  • Young people will have a better understanding of how to access support and information

 

These outcomes will support schools in meeting the guidelines of ‘Respectful Relationships’ and ‘Being Safe’ for primary and secondary schools, plus ‘Intimate and Sexual Relationships’ for secondary schools, as outlined in Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education (Department for Education, 2019).

 

In addition, the Purple Leaf Programme also includes a one-hour training session for children and young people’s professionals, in order to increase awareness of sexual abuse, knowledge about the Purple Leaf Programme and other services within WMRSASC.

 

The Purple Leaf Programme is delivered by experienced specialists, who understand the complexities surrounding sexual violence and child sexual exploitation. The programme can be delivered in group settings such as in schools or on a 1:1 basis, if that is deemed more suitable for the child. Should a child make a disclosure, WMRSASC is also able to offer wrap-around support (one-to-one advocacy and support) and their Children’s Counselling Service.

 

The Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia currently funds the delivery of the Purple Leaf Programme in a wide range of settings across West Mercia which meet a set ‘Child in Need’ definition, ensuring that there are no cost implications for schools, colleges and additional settings.

 

Positive responses to the Purple Leaf Programme from young people:

  • 95% had improved knowledge of warning signs of grooming / abusive / exploitative / unhealthy relationships
  • 96% had improved understanding of what someone can do if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable in a situation
  • 96% had improved knowledge of where to go for support

 

WMRSASC can provide one to one support for children that are at risk of sexual exploitation or have been sexually abused. Children and young people can access counselling and advocacy support to provide them with the emotional and practical support throughout the criminal justice process. See www.wmrsasc.org.uk for more details.

The Purple Leaf Project enables young people to explore these issues and develop their knowledge and understanding, whilst considering how the Sexual Offences Act 2003 relates to sexual conduct and issues such as consent.

If group work is not appropriate for the children you are working with, WMRSASC can provide one to one support for children that are at risk of sexual exploitation or have been sexually abused. Children and young people can access counselling and advocacy support to provide them with emotional and practical support throughout the criminal justice process. See www.wmrsasc.org.uk for more details.

Purple Leaf have over 30 years direct experience of supporting survivors of sexual harassment, violence and abuse. We are experienced at ensuring that the staff working in this field are skilled in reflective practice and managing risk across many different settings.

ORGANISATIONS

Purple Leaf have over 30 years direct experience of supporting survivors of sexual harassment, violence and abuse. We are experienced at ensuring that the staff working in this field are skilled in reflective practice and managing risk across many different settings.

Sexual Harassment in the workplace cultural change programme

The person responsible for sexual harassment is the person that does the harassing. However, your organisation has a responsibility as well. All organisations need to take all the steps they can to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace (Equality Act, 2010). Having a policy and process in place that covers sexual harassment is a start, but that won’t be enough. Your workforce needs to know what the policy means; which behaviours are not acceptable, what to do if you want to disclose sexual harassment, and what will happen as a result. They need to know that you take it seriously. Purple Leaf have the combination of learning and development, advocacy, therapeutic and sexual violence expertise to support you in this. Using our empower, enable and transform approach we can;

∙ Review your policies and procedures
∙ Support you with culture change
∙ Provide training for your workforce in managing disclosures in a supportive manner
∙ Support those impacted by sexual harassment

CPD Inputs

Managing the impacts of working with sexual trauma

This half day or full day input raises awareness of the potential risks to the supporter/manager of hearing or reading disclosures of sexual harassment, violence and abuse. By exploring theory and reflective practice, this course encourages delegates to be alert to the risks of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma and practice good self-care.

Peer on Peer Abuse – managing problematic sexual behaviour in schools

This half day or full day input provides teaching and social care staff with an opportunity to explore best practice advice and guidance on how to manage the issues of peer on peer abuse and problematic sexual behaviour in schools. Using an experiential approach to exploring contextual safeguarding scenarios and case studies, the course provides teachers and practitioners with an opportunity to reflect on their own policies and processes, and practice the skills required to manage disclosures. Participants are encouraged to think about a whole school approach and to consider the micro and macro impacts of abuse on the individual, the school and themselves. The course enables learners to apply statutory guidance to real life scenarios in a safe supported space.

Accredited Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA) Training 

ISVA Training – Level 3 Award in Advocacy for Working with Survivors of Sexual Violence

The training will enable Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVAs) to gain the necessary skills, knowledge, and awareness to effectively support survivors of sexual violence. The training is designed to work alongside the ISVA Toolkit produced by Rape Crisis England & Wales (RCEW), is competency based, and aligns with both the Rape Crisis England & Wales National Service Standards and the Skills for Justice National Occupational Standards (NOS) relevant to ISVAs.

The course consists of six units, delivered over six full days of training:

  1. Working with survivors of sexual violence
  2. Key principles of advocacy
  3. Supporting survivors through the criminal justice system
  4. Working with children and young people
  5. Risk assessment and safety planning
  6. Effects on wellbeing and self-care

Each module includes assignments for completion, allowing delegates to explore the course content in detail and to demonstrate their full understanding of the course material and relevant skills.

Our accredited ISVA training has expert input provided by Irwin Mitchell LLP. 

Tom Fletcher, Senior Associate Solicitor, Irwin Mitchell LLP says:

“Irwin Mitchell’s reputation for helping survivors of abuse with a wide range of personal legal issues is second to none. Our highly specialised team combines powerful legal knowledge & experience with care & consideration to ensure that clients receive the best possible support & guidance not only with the immediate matter in hand, but for life.”

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Training Courses

Responding To A Disclosure Of Sexual Violence

This one-day course provides learners with an understanding of what is meant by the term sexual harassment, violence and abuse and how to respond appropriately to a disclosure. Through a series of experiential activities, roleplays and group discussions, delegates will; explore and practice safe ways to support a survivor who chooses to disclose their experience, review the importance of having clear policies and procedures in place, understand the importance of working within their own sphere of competence and how and when to refer to specialist organisations. They will explore the ‘ripple effect’ of sexual harassment, violence and abuse and understand the importance of accessing personal support for themselves when supporting a survivor.

Emotional And Societal Response To Sexual Violence

This one-day course provides learners with an understanding of both the immediate and long-term effects of sexual violence on survivors and how sexual violence is perceived within the context of society. Through a range of video, audio and case study input, learners will explore the impacts of myths, unconscious bias and societal frames of reference on how sexual violence is perceived.

Sexual Violence -Practitioner Course

This accredited training is for any professional who wants to improve their understanding of the impacts of sexual violence and how best to support a survivor should they choose to disclose their experience. The two-day training course will explore definitions of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and violence and enhance understanding of the immediate, short term and long-term impacts that a sexual abuse experience can have on victims/survivors. Delegates will be awarded certificates of accreditation from Open College Network West Midlands following successful unit completion. The units incorporated in this course are:

  • Emotional and Societal Responses to Sexual Violence
  • Responding to a Disclosure of Sexual Violence

Impact Of Child Sexual Abuse

This one-day course provides learners with an understanding of the effects of child sexual abuse on children and their families and the long-term impacts on adults who experienced sexual abuse as a child. The course explores child sexual abuse within the social context and provides learners with information about the types of support available to survivors.

Rape And The Legal System

This one-day course provides learners with an understanding of the procedures and legal implications of reporting a rape. Learners will explore the features of the legal framework dealing with sexual violence and the potential impacts of accessing the legal system on survivors.

Sexual Violence Against Young People And Adolescents

This one-day course provides learners with the relevant legal definitions associated with sexual violence, abuse and exploitation of children and young people. Through a range of resources such as video, audio and client testimony, learners will gain an understanding of the impact of sexual violence and wider abuse on young people and how to support them.

PBC Foundation Level Protective Behaviours Course

This Foundation Level Protective Behaviours (PBs) course is a unique two-day training programme for those wanting to gain knowledge about the Protective Behaviours framework and its application. This foundation level course is particularly beneficial to those early in their career in the sexual violence field, such as ISVAs or counsellors, or as an opportunity for more experienced workers to gain an accreditation. Protective Behaviours is a useful framework for all practitioners working with both children and adults. The course and support booklet enable all participants to access the Ofqual approved Open College Network West Midlands Accredited Level 2 Protective Behaviours qualification.  

Purple Leaf is Trading name of West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC)

WMRSASC is a charitable company limited by guarantee in England & Wales - Charity Registration 1136677, Company Registration 07083844.

Registered office: Kendall Wadley Chartered Accountants, 71 Graham Road, Malvern, WR14 2JS (not part of WMRSASC premises)