The objectives of the Mind the Gap course are to change the way people think about themselves so they no longer think about committing suicide, or think they are not worthy of living the life they deserve having been told for many years repeatedly how useless they are, how worthless they are, how they will never be able to survive on their own, how nobody else will ever love them.

Narcissistic behaviour by partners makes people vulnerable and terrified of the consequences of doing something they have been told is ‘not allowed’. Gas lighting will confuse to such an extent that people will think they have gone mad, and undermines their sense of self.

Maggie Currie wrote this course following a relative going through a refuge had undergone all the courses offered to her and was now in her own home. There was very limited support following leaving the refuge due to financial constraints and there was nothing else to offer. Maggie thought there has to be something but couldn't find anything, so she sat down and wrote the Mind the Gap course and piloted it. The feedback was amazing and the suggestions that were made were incorporated into the course. It has been phenomenally successful in helping many women to move forward in their lives and to achieve so much more than they believed. Read the testimonials here .

Each course costs £1500 to put on, though it is free for people to attend. Up to 10 people at a time. We rely totally on grants and donations to continue our work. The free to attend Mind the Gap course, by changing the way people think about what they are thinking, which has been their thought process for many years, will re-build self-esteem and thus confidence and will remind them they are valuable members of society and are capable of much more than they have been led to believe.

Another course objective is to encourage people not to go back to the abusive relationship, or find someone who has similar traits thus reducing the likelihood of people repeating their experiences.

The course provides vital training and information for people who have suffered, or are suffering, domestic abuse. The 12 module course is interactive and designed to change the way the participants think about what they are thinking about themselves. Many have not been allowed to think for themselves for many years whether by a controlling partner, by a coercive relative or being too scared to think for themselves for fear of violence to themselves and/or their children.

Courses are run separately for men and for women. 1 in 4 women suffer domestic abuse and 1 in 6 men suffer domestic abuse.

We have the ongoing support of the Hampshire Constabulary and of the YOU Trust who are responsible for Refuge and much more on the Isle of Wight.

Each participant has access to the tutors for help via email, phone and messenger should they need help or advice during and after the course.