This month A
Way Out’s Training Co-ordinator, Rachel shares some thoughts…..
Recently I
re-watched a movie from a decade ago - ‘Pay It Forward’. It touched me back then, but resonated on a
deeper level ten years on. A key
message of the film is by practicing random acts of kindness, there is the hope
of leading the world to becoming a better place. During my time at A Way Out I have witnessed
an abundance of such acts, alongside those our incredibly supportive community who
are beacons of light for the women and
families the organisation supports… time gifted through volunteering; financial donations; donations of clothing,
toiletries, food and Christmas gifts … for the individuals receiving support
these are so greatly valued, without this
support their world would be a very different place.
As a lead practitioner in supporting women who
have experienced sexually exploitation,
I am thankful for having been part of a team who experience the
privilege of paying forward hope, safety, acceptance, empathy, trust and
respect to some of the most vulnerable and marginalised females who have
experienced violence, exploitation, complex trauma, and abuse. Some of
these women sadly their lives have been cut short and on 17th
December A Way Out marked International End Violence Against Sex Workers Day by
remembering these women. We took some
solace that their legacy now lives on through my current work. As Training Co-ordinator I train and develop
professionals across the North East to be more effective in their support, by
adapting practice and service delivery using the approach informed and ‘paid
forward’ the experiences of these women. Through this platform their
voices are not lost but amplified and live on for all to hear and learn from.
By Rachel Johnson.
Contact info@awayout.co.uk or 01642 655071 for
more information.
