A THERAPY through art project in Alton that supports youngsters affected by domestic abuse is celebrating successful expansion.

The ‘Summer Heat’ initiative was created in 2013 by The Bridges Support Project and has been enhanced by the involvement of Radian, one of the south’s leading housing and support providers and the Southern Domestic Abuse Service.

The first three-day workshop included games and art activities for children aged eight to 16 who have been victims of or have witnessed domestic abuse. Over the last two years, these have been added to generating greater interaction from the children.

The initiative was highly commended in last year’s Resolve Anti-Social Behaviour Awards and was recognised at the Awards Ceremony in Solihull. It was described as “an excellent example of best practice and partnership working in the housing sector”.

In spite of reduced funding, this year’s project was still able to go ahead thanks to the continued partnership between the Southern Domestic Abuse Service and Radian. The voluntary work from both Radian and service staff, helped to ensure the Summer Heat project could run and helped towards its expansion.

The combined team was able to deliver the Summer Heat project to a wider age group, offering even more creative art activities to help youngsters deal with their feelings and begin to understand domestic abuse. By utilising their collective skills, all those involved were able to enhance and improve the workshops for all those involved.

Issues that were addressed included anger, the signs of abusive relationships and communication skills. Activities ranged from designing posters and building a mini-erupting volcano to exercise games to blow off steam. Last year’s project included more art, more 3D work and physical activities.

One of those who helped run the scheme was Radian community safety officer Steven Knowles, who put his artistic talents and domestic training to good use.

He said: “In these times of austerity, it is essential that agencies such as Southern Domestic Abuse Service and Radian are able to assist in delivering these important projects. By pooling our collective skills it enables and enhances the work that The Bridges Support Project and similar charities do in the community.”

Caroline Potter, from The Bridges Support Project, added: “This year’s Summer Heat really built on last year’s success. The partnership work we did with Radian and Southern Domestic Abuse Service really enriched the experience for the children.

“I’m sure that we have created a working module that can be used for other groups and I hope that Summer Heat can go on to be delivered in other school holidays.”

Petra Norris, community safety manager at Radian, added: “The Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance identified the Summer Heat project as an excellent example of best practice and partnership working.

“We were so pleased by the way the children, some of whom have experienced or witnessed some horrible events in their short lives, embraced the activities and have gone away stronger and happier than at the beginning of the workshops.”