Empowering Women to Regain Ownership: Own My Life Course

Did you know that only 5% of women who are abused will access a specialist service? This is the alarming statistic Natalie Collins and Jo Costello are trying to change.

As the faces behind Own My Life, a 12-week course that empowers women in the workplace to understand more about domestic violence and regain ownership of their lives, both Natalie and Jo share a passion for helping others.

After recognising the gap in the business market for this type of course, they believe all employers should be considering enrolling domestic abuse training and awareness.

In Natalie’s words, there are many myths and misconceptions about abuse that still exist. Whether it’s a partner, friend or co-worker, the same underlying message is clear, anyone can be abused at any point in their lives.

Focusing on the same shared goal – to empower women to take control of their lives - the team behind Own My Life want to encourage the conversation around domestic violence in the workplace and provide a safe space for reflective practice.

Formed in 2019 by Natalie Collins, Own My Life was set up to help support women who have been subjected to domestic violence.

In their eyes, this is an opportunity for employers to play a key role in helping empower women in the workplace and provide a sanctuary for escape.

Throughout their 20-year career history of working in the sector, they have seen the many challenges and tribulations women in with abusive partners have faced.

Although employers may believe they know their colleagues well, those subjected to abuse are often masters at acting. Approaching these types of conversations is undeniably hard but combined with the resources and structure behind Own My Life, workplaces can become places of joy.

This is an opportunity for employers to change colleagues’ lives for the better and help others around them.

Run online live with an expert instructor, this inspiring course is a minimum of 2 hours per week for 12 weeks. This means that it can be done in the comfort of your own home or workspace, without having to travel to attend.

With an interactive structure, each participant is gifted a journal to help them reflect on their feelings.

At the end of every session, we have a space for women to think about what their feelings are. This includes body sensations too. The journal is almost like a ‘bible’ that women can go back to every now and then.

Facilitated by a CPD-accredited instructor, Own My Life is a highly interactive and informative course that helps women to understand more about domestic violence, how it affects the brain and the physiology behind trauma.

Understanding trauma is a large aspect of this training, including how it can accumulate and the effects it has on the body and mind.

Much like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, participants are given the space to reflect on their thoughts, how it made them feel and the bodily sensations they are experiencing.

In collaboration with other organisations, this course provides a safe community for women to be themselves.

You don’t have to have experience trauma to undertake this course. In fact, it’s a great opportunity for anyone, regardless of your background, to learn more about how to support the women around you and become an overall better co-worker, partner, and friend.

Crafted by experts, the resources and tools provided in this course give women the confidence to take control of their life and support others around them. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to be a part of something truly life changing.

As an employer, ensuring the safety and well-being of your staff should be a high priority.

Although you may not be able to spot when someone is facing difficulties, Jo recommends that you consider the types of arrangements you have in place to support people who are struggling.

For example, some abusers change the clocks in the house to purposely make their partner late for work and delete things from their calendars. These are the types of situations that may bring HR attention and cause concern.

Natalie’s advice?

It’s important to create a culture that supports having these types of conversations.

What you don’t want is somebody brought into the office to talk about their poor performance or repeated lateness without thinking, what else might be happening here?

Promoting an open culture, where colleagues feel supported gives people the space to feel safe, without having to justify their actions.

If you’re interested in becoming an employer of choice and changing your organisation for the better, then get in touch with us today.

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