HELP OTHERS
AN innovative charity has been set up to help young women spot the danger signs of abusive relationships ... and the impact they can have on their mental health.
The Marian Project has been devised and run by Cherill Watterston, a senior clinician in NHS mental health services in Huddersfield.
The 39-year-old from Lepton suffered from an abusive relationship when she was 17 which inspired her to set up the project.
She said: “I realised that young women involved in abusive relationships was very common but no-one wanted to talk about it yet it is a major issue which needs challenging.”
Cherill has given workshops to schools and colleges in Huddersfield, Bradford and at the University of Huddersfield, at first running them in her own time.
She has been nominated by mental health nurse Chelsea Regan, who said: “As a mental health nurse I am aware of the effects of trauma, abuse, exploitation and violent relationships. This project educates young women about what abuse is, the dangers surrounding it, what exploitation is, how abuse can occur in relationships and how to spot it.
“I am also aware how this can impact on other areas such as body image, self-perception, awareness of relationships and general emotional and social wellbeing. The Marian Project workshops are delivered in such a compassionate, caring and sensitive way I believe young girls benefit from this kind of approach in order to encourage them to think deeply about the issues surrounding the different forms of abuse and exploitation.”
Chelsea said feedback from young women who had been to the workshops shows how it has changed their outlook and how they would make changes to future relationship choices.
She added: “Young women are influenced strongly by the media. Many young girls who have attended the Marian Project have spoken openly about themselves or friends who follow celebrities who are in unhealthy relationships and mimic this.
“They have spoken about how this effects them. Likewise, there are many cases in communities in which young girls have been exploited and this has made headline news. Because of this I see a huge need for the Marian Project workshops.
“Cherill has a fantastic understanding of the issues in today’s society surrounding abuse and exploitation.
“She is always willing to challenge views and raise awareness and to be a voice for those people who do not have one. I find Cherill to be a true inspiration.”
Cherill is married to Richard and has two children, Callum, 10 and fouryear-old Joseph and two stepchildren 14-year-old Daniel and Charlie, 10. RAMSDENS are an award winning, full practice, local law firm who have been in Huddersfield for over 140 years.
Ramsdens are proud supporters of the Examiner Community Awards and have been involved for the last six years. This year Ramsdens are sponsoring the Community Project of the Year.