On 26th January 2017 we held a joint awareness event with our sister charity, Jewish Women’s Aid.æ The evening attracted an audience from across the community to our Purple Room Community Centre at Heathlands VIllage
A packedæPurple Room watched an energetic, multi-media performanceæof “Black Eyes and Cottage Pie” by charity, The MaD Theatre Company.
The play, based entirely on factual research, highlighted the issue of abuse in intimate teenage relationships. It was accessed through Essential Safeguarding, an initiative supported and funded by Greater Manchester Police, which educates young people about domestic abuse.
The evening was designed to raise awareness within the community of domestic abuse, including the early, subtle signs that a relationship may become abusive.
The Fed’s Children and Families’ Services Manager, Shelley Lewis, commented “The Fed has worked closely with JWA in cases involving domestic abuse for a number of years. Combining our specialisms allows us to maximise support, respond quickly and offer positive options. This event underscored our relationship and brought an important message to the community.”
JWA’s Barbara Cohen added, “Through running discussions and events such as this, we aim to encourage reflective thinking about relationships.”
A lively after-play panel Q and A session, took place following the performance, chaired by Louise Allen, a Director of Essential Safeguarding.
The evening was opened by Barbara Cohen, Chair of Manchester JWA who was recently voted Volunteer of the Year in the Manchester Jewish Community Awards and was closed by The Fed’s Fundraising Officer, Zoe Herman.