A new support service is offering young women across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area a confidential place to talk about relationships, abuse and personal concerns.
EmpowHER has been created and led by Women’s Aid Armagh Down. The free, charity-led digital service is designed to help women aged 16 to 25 consider whether a relationship is healthy, while offering support to those affected by unhealthy, controlling or abusive behaviour.
The service provides a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where young women can talk, seek advice or simply feel heard. It has been developed in response to what Women’s Aid describes as a growing need for specialised support across the ABC and Newry, Mourne and Down areas.
Support available through EmpowHER
EmpowHER offers confidential one-to-one support, phone support and group work. Its safe space is open to conversations about anything that may be on a young woman’s mind, whether she is looking for guidance, practical support or someone willing to listen.
The service is also available to people who want advice about supporting a friend, or who simply want to learn more about healthy relationships and relationship abuse.
Information on the EmpowHER website includes tips on helping a friend, warning signs or “red flags” to look out for in relationships, and an “Is my relationship healthy?” questionnaire.
Online resources and podcast
Women’s Aid Armagh Down is also building EmpowHER’s presence on Instagram and TikTok. The platforms provide short videos about healthy relationships and building confidence, allowing users to access the material on their phones and in their own time.
The initiative includes the EmpowHER Podcast, which is aimed at young women. Its subjects include healthy and unhealthy relationships, gender-based violence, and violence against women and girls.
“Our online platforms give us another way to raise awareness, connect with young women and open up conversations around issues that can sometimes be difficult to talk about.”
The statement was made by an EmpowHER spokesperson, who said the online platforms would provide another route into conversations that may otherwise be difficult to begin.
EmpowHER Connect phone and text service
As part of the project’s aim to make support easier to access, Women’s Aid Armagh Down is launching EmpowHER Connect, a phone and text service.
EmpowHER Connect will commence on Wednesday, November 4, and operate every Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm. It will provide young women with another safe and confidential way to access information, guidance and support.
Young women who want to find out more about EmpowHER, along with organisations interested in supporting the initiative, can access further information through the EmpowHER website.