Nine schools across Swindon have completed a year-long journey to earn the HOPE Award – a symbol of their dedication to raising awareness around domestic abuse and offering vital support to children and families who may be affected.
The HOPE Award, delivered by domestic abuse charity Society Without Abuse (SWA), is more than a badge of honour. It recognises schools that have completed specialist training, embedded early intervention practices, and opened safe spaces for those experiencing, or witnessing, domestic abuse.
This year’s recipients include: Even Swindon, Gorse Hill Primary, Oaktree Nursery and Primary, Mountford Manor, Moredon Primary, Nyland School, Beechcroft Infants, Haydon Wick Primary, and Shaw Ridge Primary.
Each of these schools has undertaken dedicated sessions in recognising healthy friendships and relationships, delivered in a child-friendly, age-appropriate way. Importantly, they’ve also launched confidential drop-in services for their communities – creating trusted avenues of support where help is discreet and judgment-free.
Emma Maclennan, Children and Families Manager at SWA, said:
“For many children, school is their sanctuary. The HOPE Award is not just something to display in reception – it signals a cultural shift. It shows that the school recognises the signs of abuse, offers an early hand of support, and makes itself available to those who may need someone to talk to.”
Emma was clear that domestic abuse does not follow stereotypes. “We’ve had staff as well as families coming forward during the HOPE process. Domestic abuse affects one in five people in their lifetime. It does not care about your job, your gender, or your postcode.”
While the end of term often brings excitement, for some children the six-week break can be challenging. “We know some children will now be spending more time in environments that don’t feel safe. That’s why what these schools have done is so important – they’ve created strong foundations for support, and they’ve made sure those families know they’re not alone.”
Rachael Smith, Head of Even Swindon Primary School, spoke passionately about the programme’s impact:
“This year we’ve taken huge steps in raising awareness of domestic abuse. Our pupils now understand more about what respectful relationships look like, and our community feels better informed on how to help others. That kind of knowledge can be lifesaving – not just today, but for generations to come.”
The good news doesn’t stop there. Thanks to a partnership between Swindon Safeguarding Partnership and the EVAWG Wiltshire Group (Ending Violence Against Women and Girls), free training materials are now available to all schools in Swindon, helping to widen access to life-changing guidance.
For more about the HOPE programme or the work of Society Without Abuse, visit:
www.societywithoutabuse.org.uk
If you or someone you know needs advice or support, call Swindon’s Domestic Abuse Helpline on 01793 610610.
