Butterflies in Shades of Grey
The Butterflies in Shades of Grey programme is a comprehensive support initiative designed to assist both direct and indirect victims of domestic and sexual violence. This programme acknowledges the complex nature of trauma and offers a multi-faceted approach to healing and empowerment.
Counselling & Therapy
At the heart of Butterflies in Shades of Grey is the provision of free, confidential one-to-one counselling, which creates a safe space for individuals to explore their experiences and emotions. In addition to counselling, art therapy is provided as a creative outlet for participants to express themselves and process their trauma through various artistic mediums, fostering a sense of healing and personal growth.
This holistic approach extends to sport therapy, integrating physical activity as a means of building resilience and promoting well-being. Programmes like “Squash It!” not only engage participants in sports but also provide mentorship, encouraging personal development and a sense of community.
Advocacy & Mentoring
Advocacy is a key component of the Butterflies in Shades of Grey, ensuring that victims, both direct and indirect, are heard and receive the necessary resources, guidance, and support to navigate their journeys towards recovery. This initiative emphasises the cultivation of personal development skills, equipping participants with tools and techniques to enhance their overall well-being and confidence.
Through workshops and supportive environments, the programme aims to empower victims, helping them reclaim their narratives and move forward in their lives with strength and resilience.
Services Include:- The AVS Project, Be Heard, Beyond The Shadows, The Squash It! and Be A Safe Ally (Youth) Programme, Women’s Listening Circles.
From the Beginning
For A Brighter, Safer Future
Recognising the gaps in service provision and beginning in 2001, a group of survivors created a programme “For Us, By Us,” to help support each other through the trauma.
Over twenty years later, this Queen’s award Winning programme provides a holistic package of emotional and practical support to both men & women aged 13+; who are dealing with domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape.
Whether this is happening now or has happened in the past, Butterflies in Shades of Grey offers immediate and free one-to-one counselling and art therapy for individuals in safe and secure surroundings.
Be Heard
NINE RED Presents… (CIC) is working in partnership with Bedfordshire Police delivering the Be Heard! Campaign to help support victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence with a specific provision to target issues particular to the Caribbean community.
Debra Knight LL.B (Hons) from Nine Red Presents, which works with the grassroots community, said: “This work is so important because it is happening now. Twenty years ago, when we started the AVS project, we wanted to think about people’s individual needs and create something for us, by us, to support those on their journey of trauma recovery.
“Back when we started the project, our holistic approach to trauma recovery was not widely supported; however, our art therapy and art medicine approach is now used by many different people across the world. So it is important we are now working with Bedfordshire Police to share this approach and highlight different ways they can engage with those who need it.
“Be Heard is the next step in our journey as we work closely with Bedfordshire Police to bring together the collective efforts of people from diverse backgrounds. This is the moment to Be Heard.”
AVS Project Counsellor & Survivor Training: provides a 12-week training course for individuals working with this client group; the course is also offered to survivors and has mental health and well-being benefits.
AVS Project service users can access all Art Medicine workshops being delivered as part of the Butterflies in Shades of Grey programme.
The AVS Project
(Where NRP began)
- AVS Project Counselling Service: –
- Free, immediate and confidential, in a location chosen by the client (home or office)
- AVS Project Counsellor & Survivor Training: provides a 12-week training course for individuals working with this client group; the course is also offered to survivors and has mental health and well-being benefits.
- AVS Project service users can access all Art Medicine workshops being delivered as part of the Butterflies in Shades of Grey programme.
Squash It!
& Be A Safe Ally (Youth)
- The Squash It project empowers young people by using squash to provide support and mentoring. It promotes personal development and community engagement, allowing participants to improve their athletic skills while learning important life lessons.
- The “Be A Safe Ally” initiative complements Squash It by focusing on personal safety, self-expression, and allyship through workshops and discussions. This fosters meaningful conversations and builds a supportive network among peers and mentors
Empowering Women & Girls into employment with LTFC.
- Luton Town Football Club Community Trust and NINE RED Presents (CIC) partnership aimed at empowering women and girls who have experienced domestic violence, sexual violence, intersectional discrimination, sexist racism, and racist sexism and other forms of marginalisation.
- Course Highlights:– Tailored support for women and girls facing violence and discrimination.
– Skill development for better employment prospects.
– Access to community resources and support networks.
Be Heard
- NINE RED Presents… (CIC) is working in partnership with Bedfordshire Police delivering the Be Heard! Campaign to help support victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence with a specific provision to target issues particular to the Caribbean community.
- “Be Heard is the next step in our journey as we work closely with Bedfordshire Police to bring together the collective efforts of people from diverse backgrounds. This is the moment to Be Heard.”
Beyond The Shadows
- Beyond the Shadows is a dedicated support program for individuals indirectly affected by domestic and sexual violence in Bedfordshire, England. We recognise that the impact of such trauma extends beyond direct victims, affecting families, friends, and entire communities. Our program offers a safe and nurturing environment designed to empower participants through support, education, and community connection.
Women’s Listening Circles.
- Women’s Listening Circles: NPCC award-winning listening circles, launched by DCS Dee Perkins and currently led by DCS Zara Brown, are co-hosted by NINE RED Presents… (CIC) and WoCiP.
- These circles are dedicated to providing a safe space for women who may have been victims of crime or may have directly or indirectly experienced violence.