Our community

We'VE engaged with OVER

1,700

People Aged 60+

We have sent over

2,000

Copies of Our Second Edition Practitioner Guidance

We have trained over

9,000

Practitioners Across The UK

"Dewis Choice is changing the world and making a real difference… I personally value what you are doing to transform older people’s lives and it's probably no exaggeration to say to save lives as well"
Helena Herklots
Older People's Commissioner for Wales

We've ran 35 focus groups and engaged with 215 older people

These focus groups have explored aspects of healthy relationships, positive ageing & domestic abuse in later life. These collaborative events included the following special interest groups: The Women’s Institute,   Stroke support, representatives from the Macular Society, Cancer Support Groups,  Caerphilly’s 50+ Forum, the British Red Cross and the University of the Third Age

We have run 35 focus groups and engaged directly with older people

Focus groups have explored aspects of healthy relationships, positive ageing & domestic abuse in later life. These collaborative events have included the following special interest groups: The Women’s Institute, Stroke Support, representatives from the Macular Society, Cancer Support Groups, Caerphilly’s 50+ Forum, the British Red Cross and the University of the Third Age.

campaigns we are involved in

As a member of Welsh Government and OPC’s Action Groups, Dewis Choice contributed to Welsh Government campaigns, including, the Welsh Government Protecting and Safeguarding Older People: Covid-19 Information Pack, the You Are Not Alone campaign, and Homes Should Be A Safe Space campaign

LGBTQ+

We have co-produced participatory action research with 20 practitioners and 11 older LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse. This research highlights the ‘lived experiences’ of the older LGBTQ+ community. it also identifies gaps in policy and service provision. Two short films were made, one of which focuses on the isolation help-seekers experience, the second is from the perspective of help-providers

LGBTQ+

We have identified gaps in research, policy and practice in relation to older LGBTQ+ victim survivors.

We have undertaken participatory action research with older LGBTQ+ people and practitioners. This work draws on case examples of coercive control in later life within these communities.

The research challenges the 'public story' of domestic abuse that suggests it's only experienced by heterosexual females under 45 years with children. Two short films were co-produced, one focusing on the 'lived experiences' of older victim-survivors, the second film highlights a range of perspectives from help-providers, equipping practitioners with the knowledge to provide an effective response.

bYSTANDER INITIATIVE

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WELSH WOMEN'S AID

Our Bystander Initiative, in partnership with Welsh Women’s Aid, ran from 2015-2017. Working with a diverse group of students, these events focused on developing and evaluating pro-social modelling behaviours for students about responding safely to domestic abuse and sexual violence whilst at university

bYSTANDER intervention

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WELSH WOMEN'S AID

In partnership with Welsh Women’s Aid, we delivered the Bystander Intervention (see Research Evaluation 2018). Working with a diverse group of students, these events focused on developing and evaluating pro-social modelling behaviours for students regards responding safely to violence against women, domestic abuse, and sexual violence whilst at university.

WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENTS

To date , the Centre has set up 23 work experience placements and nine Aber Graduate Placements. These school pupils and students have been involved in wide range of training and public engagement events including helping to coordinate LGBTQ focus groups, attending criminal courts to understand more about procedural justice in the context of domestic abuse and undertaking training on mental capacity, restorative justice and family group conferencing  

WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENTS

In line with our civic mission at Aberystwyth University we have involved pupils and students of all ages in a range of project activities.

To date, we have set up 23 work experience placements and nine Aberystwyth graduate placements, school pupils and students have engaged in a wide range of training and public engagement events. This includes attending criminal courts to understand more about procedural justice in the context of domestic abuse, undertaking training on mental capacity, domestic homicide, restorative approaches and family group conferencing.  Participation in these activities promoted civic responsibility whilst individuals enriched their knowledge base, gained experience and additional qualifications.

volunteers

We have also recruited and trained 381 volunteers between the ages of 8-92 years old. Research workshops have included learning about domestic homicide in later life, designing workshops and undertaking qualitative and quantitative research data entry and analysis.

volunteers

We have recruited and trained over 400 volunteers between the ages of eight-92 years old to design and deliver community projects and events which bring greater benefits to wider society.

gallery

Hannah & Heledd and the contacts tree
BYSTANDER 20
BYSTANDER 48
Cancer Support Group
Family Group Conferencing
Stroke Support Group
Carmarthen petition meeting group A (1)
Group shot outside
White Ribbon Cardiff 2
Bystander initiative
Daniel & Tsvetelina
Bystander event
Carms design group
cof
Dementia Friends
White ribbon candle lit walk 2
Carmel at Heath hospital