Nottinghamshire Independent Domestic Abuse Service (NIDAS) hosted a celebration AGM for families and key stakeholders at the Create Theatre, WNC on Wednesday 7th November 2018. 
Over 40 people, including local businesses and charities, crown prosecution service, law firms, staff, volunteers and friends of NIDAS attended an evening of dance, drama and music performed by families who have accessed support services.
 
A marketplace event showcased the services NIDAS provides to support families break the cycle of domestic abuse through their trusted, confidential and bespoke services.
 
Children aged 5-to-14 took part in a 6 week creative arts workshop and performed their very moving piece of dance and spoken word to illustrate what it feels like to be living in an abusive environment. The performance was directed by a talented local drama student, Libby Dove, who volunteered her time to work with the children. Libby also performed a contemporary piece of spoken word, articulating a disturbing domestic violence relationship and the journey to a safer life following support from NIDAS.
 
A young woman who had previously lost her voice and confidence, wowed and entertained the audience with her beautiful voice. Singing two very poignant songs from the heart, she got everyone in the audience joining in to Gloria Gaynor’s – ‘I will survive’ which resonates with anyone who has experienced an unhealthy relationship, whether it be in personal or professional context. She said at the end “When I was asked to sing, it made me cry as I’d lost all interest in performing after my previous relationship. I feel so proud and honoured to be a part of this night, I will be forever grateful as I’ve now got my voice back again! I’m really excited to see what’s next for NIDAS and can’t wait to be part of that journey with them”.
 
Trustees Lynn Farebrother and Emma Dove launched the NIDAS 30:30 Campaign as the charity moves into its 30th year of supporting families across Mansfield, Ashfield and surrounding districts.  The campaign aims to raise awareness about NIDAS services and empower people to stand up to violence and abuse of any kind. NIDAS have also set an ambitious target to raise £30,000 in recognition of this anniversary with all funds being put towards sustaining and delivering vital services for local families.
 
NIDAS kick-started the campaign by receiving a cheque for £1,000 from the Trustees of local charity James Henry Blake to enable young people aged 5 to 18 who live in Mansfield to enjoy a visit to enhance their personal and social development.
 
The campaign will officially launch in 2019 but they are already looking for people to pledge support. Check out the website – www.nidas.org.uk for more information about how you could get involved, you really can make a difference!
 
Special recognition was given to the outgoing Chair of NIDAS, Lynn Farebrother. Lynn has been a Trustee with NIDAS for 15 years and totally committed to putting the voice of families first, ensuring that services genuinely meet the needs of everyone. She has been a passionate campaigner for gender and equality, working hard to engage with other agencies to ensure a truly holistic and person centred approach is delivered to families who are most in need.
 
Berni Dickinson, NIDAS Trustee and Mansfield & Ashfield 2020 Board Member will now take on the role of Chair at NIDAS.  Berni said “I am extremely proud and honoured to take on this very important role.  We are a small and independent charity with a big heart and we place families at the centre of everything we do.  The Trustees have worked alongside the Directors to put in place a 3-year strategy and I am excited to steer NIDAS through the next few years to build on the outstanding work carried out by our team to date.”
 
Sue Ready, Director of Service Delivery said “I feel so privileged to be part of this amazing charity. Seeing the performances reaffirms the impact and difference we make to local families who trust us with the most personal and sensitive information about their lives. It’s humbling to know we have played a part in their journey to recovery and I would like to thank all the staff and volunteers at NIDAS for the passion, commitment and professionalism they show to every family #everyfamilycounts!”
 
 

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