Riverlight is launching Project: THRIVE

We firmly believe that the most profound healing for survivors comes through a life well-lived.

However, survivors of abuse face significant challenges when rebuilding their lives, often having been disconnected from employment or education for extended periods due to the abuse they've endured.

What have we found?

Through our direct work with the survivor community, it's become increasingly clear that there is a strong demand for long-term support that goes beyond immediate recovery.

Survivors have expressed that while much attention is given to short-term goals, there's often a lack of focus on what their lives look like after they've left abusive situations. Survivors want services designed to not only help them survive, but to truly thrive.

What is Riverlight doing?

To address these challenges, we intend to:

1. Create Partnerships

a) Employment Partnerships - develop partnerships with companies, employers, shops and organisations to pledge prioritised employment pathways for domestic abuse survivors.

b) Educational Partnerships - partner and collaborate with universities to create special admission pathways for survivors, potentially with adjusted grade requirements. Scholarships specifically for survivors of abuse. + Pathways for resuming studies after dropping out due to abuse.

(and more!)

2. Develop the 'Thrive Course

We are developing the 'Thrive Course' a comprehensive life rebuilding program specifically designed for survivors of abuse. Survivor voices will play a pivotal role in its development. We will host live online forums where you can help us shape the course.

This will be freely accessible to all survivors. It will be delivered in multiple forms: in person, online and through resources/materials.

(Sign up to our mailing list to keep up to date with its development and release).

3. Research to drive policy/ legislative change

There is a significant lack of research on how domestic abuse disrupts the educational and career journeys of victims/survivors. Many are forced to drop out, delay, or never pursue their higher education/career due to controlling behaviours, safety concerns, or the psychological toll of abuse.

By conducting research in this area, we could highlight the devastating impact domestic abuse has on these areas, allowing us to advocate for policy changes and additional governmental support to help survivors re-engage with education/career and achieve their full potential.

How can YOU help?

Partner on this campaign or become an ambassador

Riverlight is actively building partnerships, however, we need your help. It is our collective effort that can bring about change.

1. If you're a university, company, organisation or employer, you can create change by joining Project Thrive as a partner.

2. If you're an individual, you can help by reaching out to these organisations and encouraging their involvement. We offer a pre-saved template HERE for your convenience, or feel free to use your own words.

3. Keep sharing your stories with us. We've already received an overwhelming response from survivors sharing how domestic abuse has affected their careers and educational paths. Amplifying these lived experiences and platforming them is crucial to driving meaningful change.

In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be sharing more details about Project Thrive, along with powerful stories from the courageous survivors who opened up about how abuse has affected their careers and education.

Real change comes from collective action. Together, we can build a world where survivors can truly THRIVE.

At Riverlight, our core ethos is built around survivor voices, at every stage, we actively seek input and feedback, ensuring that survivors shape the services and support they receive.

Riverlight is truly ‘By Survivors, For Survivors’.

To get involved or for more information contact:

haveyoursay@riverlight.org.uk

rh@riverlight.org.uk

Or alternatively use the contact form on our website.