Strength Training: The Team who Build Stronger Futures
Meet Faye
She smiles at me from across the small table, crossing her legs as she sinks into the blue armchair. Her blonde bun, swirled on the top of her head, catches in the yellow light as she tilts her chin back to sip from a can of Coke. Catching my eye she smiles again, explaining her nine-o clock need for caffeine with one sentence, ‘I’ve got three young children.’
Faye radiates warmth. It is this, her kind nature, and years of experience that make Faye so good at her job as the Manager of the Domestic Abuse Service at My Sisters’ House.
Prior to joining MSH, Faye worked in the Domestic Abuse sector for nine years. When she first heard about the opening of the women’s centre three and a half years ago while on maternity leave, Faye decided that MSH was the place for her. ‘I loved the idea of My Sisters’ House,’ Faye nods enthusiastically. ‘It just sounded like an amazing thing to do.’
As a feminist, Faye confesses the centre is ‘Everything I believe in.’
When Faye first joined MSH all those years ago, the centre ran seven hour long drop-in sessions. Now MSH has a full Domestic Abuse Service. ‘Yeah,’ Faye reflects. ‘My Sisters’ House has evolved a lot since I got here.’
The Domestic Abuse team at My Sisters’ House now consists of Michelle B, the community IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor), Lisa, the volunteer support worker, Natalie, the DART (Domestic Abuse Recovering Together) team leader, DART facilitators, and evening drop-in volunteers. Faye fits into the group as the person who manages and oversees everything (keyworkers, peer support groups, the DART programme etc) that MSH offers as part of their Domestic Abuse Service.
While the increase in the team size at MSH is a good thing, it also highlights the demand for support in regards to domestic violence. Faye admits, ‘Most of the women who come to the centre have experienced some form of domestic abuse.’
Though the fact is startling, it’s clear to me while talking with Faye just how much the community needs My Sisters’ House. ‘The team is incredible,’ Faye beams. ‘Everyone who works here is dedicated, passionate, and kind.’
And the dedication that the people who work at MSH offer extends beyond the walls of the building. In September, Faye herself is taking a secondment from MSH to write the 2020 Domestic Abuse Strategy for West Sussex. This strategy in turn will support those who visit My Sisters’ House in the coming years.
As we finish talking, I decide to ask Faye about the best and worst parts of her job. She struggles with the worst, ‘I guess I sometimes get home and feel sad that this is the society in which we live, you know?’
Faye smiles once more, ‘But I feel lucky to meet such inspirational women at My Sisters’ House. I’m honoured to be a part of somebody’s journey. Domestic abuse affects every bit of a person’s life, and for them to have the courage to come in and speak about their experiences, and trust me to help, is incredible. Honestly, I’m just in awe of the women who visit My Sisters’ House.’
