Healing Together: Transforming Lives, One Family at a Time
In the midst of the long and painful echoes of domestic abuse, the Healing Together and Caring Dads programmes emerge as beacons of hope and transformation.
These initiatives, championed by dedicated professionals like Dr. Asha Patel of Innovating Minds and Clare Sergeant, the Brighter Futures Coordinator, are not just interventions—they are lifelines that empower families to break free from cycles of domestic abuse, trauma and build brighter, healthier futures.
The Transformative Impact of Healing Together and Caring Dads Programmes on Families
An inspiring story
On February 11, 2025, Dr. Asha Patel of Innovating Minds met with Clare Sergeant, the Brighter Futures Coordinator, to discuss the profound impact of the Healing Together and Caring Dads programmes on families affected by domestic abuse. These initiatives have become pillars of support, equipping parents and children with the tools to process trauma and build healthier relationships.
Challenges Faced by Sefton
Sefton has long grappled with a fragmented approach to supporting families affected by domestic abuse. Historically, families were referred to different agencies, leading to disjointed support where parents and children received interventions separately. Clare Sergeant highlighted this issue: "What we tended to see was that dads were sent on one course, mums on another, and the children were left with no structured support. Everything got lost in the middle."
Without a cohesive strategy, families often faced prolonged cycles of trauma, with repeated referrals to social care services. Recognising this gap, the Healing Together and Caring Dads programmes were introduced to provide a unified, whole-family response that prevents escalation and fosters long-term healing.
Funding and Support
The Healing Together and Caring Dads programmes have been made possible through funding from the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership and the Police Crime Commissioners. This financial support has enabled the training of facilitators, the delivery of trauma-informed interventions, and the provision of vital resources for families in need.
Empowering Parents Through Healing Together
The Healing Together programme has had a profound impact on parents by providing them with a deeper understanding of trauma and its effects on both themselves and their children. Many parents who previously struggled to manage their own responses to trauma have reported improved emotional regulation, allowing them to better support their children.
One mother, who initially had little understanding of domestic abuse and its psychological impact, gained significant insight through the programme. As a result, she became more aware of trauma responses in both herself and her children, leading to healthier communication and stronger family dynamics. Several parents have also started journaling and engaging in additional counselling services as a result of their participation.
According to Clare Sergeant, "Parents tell us they feel more in control of their emotions and are better equipped to support their children through challenging moments. One mum shared that for the first time, she understood her child's behaviour as a trauma response rather than defiance."
Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-Being
The Healing Together programme has been instrumental in helping children understand and manage their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Facilitators have observed significant improvements in children's ability to express their feelings, regulate emotions, and engage positively at home and in school.
One notable success story involved a young boy who completed the programme focusing on anxiety. His school reported a marked improvement in concentration, fewer outbursts, and better emotional stability. The implementation of the "flip your lid" technique with his teacher provided him with a reliable strategy to self-regulate, fostering a sense of safety and control.
Clare reflected on this case, saying, "The transformation in this child has been remarkable. His teacher now sees a student who is more engaged and less reactive, all because he has the tools to manage his emotions."
The Role of the Caring Dads Programme
Alongside Healing Together, the Caring Dads programme has been instrumental in helping fathers recognise and address abusive behaviours. This cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) based programme guides fathers through self-reflection on their own upbringing, their perceptions of fatherhood, and the impact of their actions on their children and partners.
Fathers participating in the programme set personal goals for behaviour change, which has led to improved co-parenting relationships and healthier interactions with their families. One success story involved a father who, after completing the programme, was able to reintegrate into family life, demonstrating positive behavioural changes that allowed for safe and structured visitations. The programme has also helped fathers engage with additional support services, such as substance abuse counselling, further contributing to family stability.
Clare noted, "We’ve had dads who initially resisted the programme but later admitted it changed the way they see their role as a parent. One dad told me he finally understands the importance of being emotionally available for his children, not just physically present."
A Whole-Family Approach
By addressing the needs of both parents and children, the Healing Together and Caring Dads programmes are breaking cycles of trauma and fostering healthier family dynamics. Many families have reported improved relationships, reduced conflicts, and a greater sense of emotional security. The combination of both programmes ensures that not only are survivors supported, but perpetrators of abuse are also given tools to change, reducing the likelihood of future incidents.
Sustainability and Future Prospects
As these programmes continue, the focus remains on sustaining their impact through trained facilitators who can integrate trauma-informed practices into their daily work with families. While funding challenges remain, the commitment to ensuring long-term support for parents and children is evident in the positive outcomes seen so far.
"The biggest challenge we face is sustainability," Clare acknowledged. "We know these programmes work, but securing ongoing funding is essential to maintaining and expanding their reach. We need long-term investment to continue making a real difference."
To conclude, it is clear that the Healing Together and Caring Dads programmes have proven to be vital resources for families navigating the complexities of trauma and domestic abuse.
By equipping parents and children with essential coping strategies and providing fathers with tools for behavioural change, these initiatives are fostering strengths, healing, and long-term well-being. Ensuring their continuation will be crucial in maintaining these positive changes for families in need.
Watch this short video to hear Dr. Asha Patel and Clare Sergeant discuss the programmes.
