Crime Commissioner for Cheshire supports new Monkey Bob video to encourage children to speak out
NEWS RELEASE:
Cheshire based domestic abuse charity, My CWA wants local people from across the county to know they’re not alone during this pandemic – and that there’s still support for people struggling with conflict during lockdown.
The charity has created a range of online toolkits and resources for victims and perpetrators, to help them understand and talk about how they’re feeling – especially during lockdown. Visit www.mycwa.org.uk to find out more.
The Covid-19 crisis has meant My CWA has had to work hard to change its approach – one to one sessions can no longer happen and providing help and support for small children has become more difficult.
Monkey Bob is My CWA’s children ambassador. Born in 2016, he’s a colourful and friendly character who is used to encourage children across the UK engage with their feelings. Primarily aimed at Early Years children – aged 3-7 – Monkey Bob is there to help children open up when they’re struggling with their feelings.
At a time where all of us have been subject to unnatural confinement, it’s really important that young children understand that it’s okay to reach out to another adult if they feel scared or unsafe at home.
Keeping safe with Monkey Bob
This is why My CWA have created a new animated video aimed at those Early Years children. The clear message is:
It’s always okay to tell a safe grown up what is happening.
My CWA chief executive, Saskia Lightburn-Ritchie, says: “We’re thrilled to be launching this fantastic video at a time where keeping our means of communication open is so important. We’ve been developing and delivering a range of new resources for children during lockdown and have released colouring books and some free booklets for parents and professionals on our website. We hope that the video will be shared widely and help families with young children all across the country.”
In the video Keeping safe with Monkey Bob, which is also subtitled, Monkey Bob is shown that he can overcome his worry about his parents arguing all the time by telling a safe adult his worries. He knows his home address and can call 999.
The campaign – which is launched with the support of Cheshire Police and Cheshire East Council – further enhances the messaging from Monkey Bob: Do you feel what I feel? which helps children to develop simple strategies so they can express themselves safely when feeling upset and vulnerable.
David Keane, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, says: “Domestic abuse is a serious crime that not only affects men and women, but also children. In the majority of families where there are children and where abuse is being perpetrated, the children will be aware of this and will often hear it or see it going on. The abuse can have a devastating impact on children that can last into adulthood.
“It’s critical that children are supported in having the confidence to speak up and, when it matters, to speak out. It’s fantastic to see that resources like this are being produced to help children identify difficult situations at home and enable them to seek support in a safe environment.”
Key partners to My CWA and the Monkey Bob messaging are the social workers across Cheshire East who – day after day – are faced with helping vulnerable young children.
Kate Rose, head of service safeguarding children and families at Cheshire East Council commented on the video: “Domestic abuse can have a devastating impact on children and young people, affecting their health, well-being and development, as well as their educational achievement.
“Children and young people may also experience direct emotional abuse or physical injury from witnessing or hearing the abuse. Young children are made additionally vulnerable because they lack the words and understanding for what is happening in their world.
“Monkey Bob is a great tool to help children understand their feelings, hear that they are not responsible, and learn how to ask for help when they’re frightened. This tool can be used by practitioners supporting families but also by parents who need to safety plan. We’re lucky to have this cartoon to support the toolkit, developed by My CWA, which can be used by anyone supporting a family.”
The short video reinforces Monkey Bob’s key messaging to children:
It’s not ok for anyone to hurt or frighten you or anyone in your family.
It’s always ok to tell someone you trust if you’re worried or frightened.
It’s always ok to keep yourself safe if you’re afraid.
Commenting on the video, Darren Martland, chief constable at Cheshire Police says: “Cheshire Police are your friends. If you’re worried or scared, do what Monkey Bob did – call 999, tell us your name, address and what’s happening, and we’ll help you.”
Created by Peter Ewan of HeelHeadOver Productions, the animation was donated and put together as part of a wider campaign which is supported by Cheshire Connect skill donors Rachel Booth of Mighty Moxie Marketing and Kathryn Eade of Up+thrive.
For over 40 years, My CWA have been clear about how they help people. No judgement – there are hundreds of possible reasons that people reach this point – all the team are interested in doing is helping.
The team have a wealth of experience in helping those who have used harmful behaviours toward people closest to them to make positive changes in their lives, moving towards a happier, healthier future. They’re keen to ensure that during such unprecedented times, families, partners and children know that there is help for those who want to stop their behaviour.
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