Two Everton Women's stars made an "eye-opening" visit to the NSPCC’s Liverpool office to learn about the vital work being done to support victims of domestic abuse across Merseyside.
Midfielder Clare Wheeler and goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan visited the Hargraves Centre in the city centre to speak to families who have received support after experiencing domestic abuse. They also spoke to NSPCC practitioners to learn about the Domestic Abuse, Recovering Together (DART) initiative.
DART is a 10-week programme that enables mothers and children aged seven to 14 to explore their experiences, learn coping strategies and help to strengthen parent-child relationships. As part of their visit, the players spent time playing some of the games that form part of the programme and encourage children to talk about their feelings in a welcoming atmosphere.
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"It's been really eye-opening," Wheeler told the ECHO. "Having a chat at the start (with staff) and understanding this DART programme and what it does for the community, and then seeing some of the kids and the mums come in as well and having the ability just to sit down with them and play games and get to know them a little bit, it’s been a really rewarding day."
The Australia international arrived on Merseyside in the summer on loan from Danish side Fortuna Hjørring, and she relished the chance to get to know more about her new home and get stuck in with Everton's vital work within the community.
"I think it’s a hugely rewarding experience to be able to give back to the community and for me personally to get to know the community that bit more," the 24-year-old said.
"I’ve been living in Liverpool for a little bit now but getting to know what’s out there for people and how we can give back in different ways is really good."
As well as meeting with staff and service users, the players handed over goodie bags to the children, as well as tickets to Everton's upcoming Contintenal League Cup clash with Durham at Walton Hall Park.
"It’s amazing to be able to be involved in the community and take part in programmes like this that have such a big impact on families and people in the community," Brosnan said.
"Whatever we can do to help with that, whether it’s just kicking a football around or making kids smile, I think it’s really special to be involved."
While DART is also about tackling serious issues, its also about providing a fun and safe environment for families to talk and spend time together. The programme is also one of the only services in the country that works with mums and children together.
Susan Geoghegan, NSPCC Children’s Services Practitioner, said: “We would like to thank the Everton players for taking the time to visit us at the Hargreaves Centre. It was an exciting day – especially for the young girls who were so inspired by female footballers in the wake of the Lionesses triumph earlier this year.
“Their visit also helps highlight the importance of DART, which is a lifesaving service. To be able to show the results of that work to the players was a pleasure. If someone is in a domestic abuse situation, we would like them to know that we will be there to offer support they need.”
The visit comes as the NSPCC warns of a potential rise in domestic abuse incidents during the World Cup. Analysis by the child protection charity found that during the 2018 Russia World Cup, contacts to its Helpline about domestic abuse jumped by a third (33%) on the monthly average, reaching more than 1,000.
Susan added: “It can be difficult to make that first step and reach out for support. It takes a lot of bravery.
“If you suspect someone is being abused at home, please encourage them to reach out for help – at a time that’s appropriate of course – or contact the authorities yourself.”
More information about DART is available on the NSPCC website.
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