Everton FC players learn about domestic abuse work at NSPCC Liverpool office

Players from Everton Women’s team visited the NSPCC’s office in Liverpool city centre to learn about the vital work being done to support victims of domestic abuse across Merseyside.

Clare Wheeler and Courtney Brosnan visited the Hargraves Centre to speak to families who have received support after experiencing domestic abuse. They also spoke to NSPCC practitioners to learn about the Domestic Abuse, Recovering Together (DART) programme.

DART supports children and mothers who have experienced domestic abuse.

Over 10 weeks, mothers and children aged seven to 14 meet to explore their experiences, learn coping strategies and help rebuild and strengthen their individual parent-child relationships.

As part of the visit, Courtney and Clare spent time playing games, which form part of the programme, that encourage children to talk about their feelings in a lighter atmosphere.

The two footballers handed over goodie bags to the mothers and children, as well as tickets to an upcoming Everton Women’s game.

Courtney said: 

“It was a really eye-opening and special day. It’s very rewarding to be involved and help in a programme that’s so beneficial for families and for the community.

“It’s special for me and Clare to be able to take part in that and see the positive impact it has on the community.

“It’s important to the club and players to be involved and give back to the community and know what’s going on.”

Clare said: “It was really good to be walked through the programme and to play some games with the kids. It was a good experience.

“Hopefully they’ll come to the game and enjoy it.”

Susan Geoghegan, NSPCC Children’s Services Practitioner, said: 

“We would like to thank the Everton players for taking the time to visit us at the Hargreaves Centre. It was an exciting day – especially for the young girls who were so inspired by female footballers in the wake of the Lionesses triumph earlier this year.

“Their visit also helps highlight the importance of DART, which is a lifesaving service. To be able to show the results of that work to the players was a pleasure. If someone is in a domestic abuse situation, we would like them to know that we will be there to offer support they need.”

The visit comes as the NSPCC warns of a potential rise in domestic abuse incidents during the World Cup.

Analysis by the child protection charity found that during the 2018 Russia World Cup, contacts to its Helpline about domestic abuse jumped by a third (33%) on the monthly average, reaching more than 1,000.

Susan added: “It can be difficult to make that first step and reach out for support. It takes a lot of bravery.

“If you suspect someone is being abused at home, please encourage them to reach out for help – at a time that’s appropriate of course – or contact the authorities yourself.”

More information about DART is available on the NSPCC website: Domestic Abuse, Recovering Together (DART) | NSPCC Learning.