‘Perfect’ way to show support is out there
A STAFFORDSHIRE Moorlands domestic abuse service is recreating an iconic Christmas movie scene to help raise awareness of the support and services available at what is traditionally a testing time for relationships.
New Era domestic abuse service for Stoke-on-trent and Staffordshire has come up with its own version of the famous doorstep scene from `Love Actually’, under the adapted title, `Is it Love, Actually…?’.
Through a series of large, tailored cue cards, New Era wants to highlight the extra pressure put on relationships during the festive season, but also how the Covid-19 pandemic has brought added stress for many people.
New Era has enlisted the support of a Staffordshire dramatic group after the curtain came down on its normal seasonal work schedule, due to the pandemic.
Lichfield-based Toffee Hammer Studio worked with New Era to make two versions of the famous scene to raise awareness of the support available – not just to victims of domestic abuse and their families, but also to anyone wanting support to change their abusive behaviour.
Chantelle Thompson, head of service at New Era, said: “We know from the work we do supporting victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse that sadly, Christmas isn’t always a happy time for everyone.
“It can often bring added pressures for many couples and families, around things like money and who to spend time with. And we expect things to be even tougher this year.
“That’s why we wanted to come up with a simple but eye-catching way of raising awareness and encouraging people to get in touch, if they need us. The team from Toffee Hammer Studio have done a terrific job for us.”
Director Maureen George said: “As productions go, this has certainly been one of our more unusual assignments.
“However, we’ve all been thrilled to play our part in what is such an important campaign, supporting this worthwhile cause.
“For us as a group of actors, who have seen our bookings cancelled due to Covid-19, it’s brought a positive end to an otherwise incredibly testing year for all of us involved in the world of live theatre and the arts.”
The films support New Era’s wider `Is it Love, Actually…?’ campaign being run across its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter throughout December.
The short films are available to view at:
https://youtu.be/ dwiu9w82v4g (awareness for domestic abuse survivors)
https://youtu.be/ RAS6GWFX6HQ (awareness for people who want support to change their behaviour)
Support for victims is provided by Victim Support, while services for perpetrators are provided by the Reducing Reoffending Partnership. www.new-era.uk
New Era 24-hour confidential helpline for victims: 0300 303 3778 or live webchat via new-era.uk
New Era confidential helpline for perpetrators: 01785 601 690 – Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.