The Banyan Project

MCFB was very pleased to start this new project in January 2010 thanks to funding from Comic Relief and the R S Macdonald Charitable Trust. The Banyan Project will provide support for Black and Minority Ethnic young people aged 7 -25 years who have been affected by past or current domestic abuse.

The Banyan Project aims to help young people by offering one-to-one and or group work support to:

• Help them to manage day-to-day life
• Improve mental and emotional well-being and resilience
• Help to keep them safe and protected from future harm
• Help them to talk about their experiences and share their experiences with other young people

We are also happy to offer advice and support over the telephone and to put people in touch with other agencies that can help them. Support can also be offered to the non-abusing parent.

The name “Banyan” is chosen because in all cultures trees are a symbol of health and growth. For example, in India, the banyan tree is known as the wish-fulfilling tree. It suggests shelter and a safe place to talk. The Banyan Project is staffed by a part-time Project Leader and a part-time Group Worker. Both workers are qualified and experienced social workers.

Some of the work will have the involvement of student social workers supervised by the Project Leader. This, we believe, will raise awareness of domestic abuse and develop anti-discriminatory practice among future social workers as they develop the necessary skills to support this particular group of vulnerable service users.

The Banyan Project is supported by an Advisory Group whose members have a range of expertise in equalities, social work provision, child protection, practice learning and much more.

MCFB staff have wide experience of working creatively and successfully with vulnerable individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. Amongst a range of other services, we have also been providing therapeutic group work for young people with significant emotional difficulties and so have developed an expertise in this area.

We will work in partnership with Swietlica (a support and information group for Edinburgh’s Polish community) and will also build on links with others working in the field and with other BME organisations.

Referrals to The Banyan Project can be made by:

• Young people themselves
• Mothers
• Friends and Family
• Schools, G.Ps., other agencies.

To refer or to find out more information please contact: Boon Drysdale, Project Leader, by email or by telephone: 0131 467 7052

Funded by:

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© 2008 MCFB

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