FSEPS is a programme designed to combat social inclusion in mothers who live with their children in refuges or other places of safety. Birmingham City University aims to provide an evidence base for this work by analysing the existing provision of social inclusion, highlighting gaps and developing a range of activities to support and facilitate stable, sustainable family relationships.
Researchers
- Morag MacDonald
- James Williams
- David Kane
Research background
The FSEPS project will develop a programme of activities that will actively support mothers who live with their children in refuges or other places of safety. The programme will provide learning and therapeutic activities, supported free play, educational trips and communal food activities to create positive memories for families living in refuges or other places of safety.
Research aims
The project aim is to combat social exclusion, aid recovery from abuse and facilitate stable, sustainable family relationships.
Research methods
The project aim (see above) will be achieved via the following objectives:
- identifying key existing provision and best practice;
- developing a programme for use in refuges/places of safety in different national contexts;
- engaging with key stakeholders to inform the new programme;
- identifying a range of resources to support to facilitate stable, sustainable family relationships;
- identifying a range of activities to combat social exclusion of women and their children;
- incorporating lessons from piloting activities into the final programme for use in refuges/places of safety.
Projected outcomes
The programme is expected to help families gain active life-skills and build the confidence needed for healthy reintegration into mainstream society while, at the same time, challenging experiences of negative and abusive behaviour.