Meet Kyle, one of Glow’s dedicated Children and Young Person’s Workers. Every day, Kyle works with children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse and are now living in refuge or community housing. His role is to help them feel safe, make sense of their emotions, and rediscover what it means to just be a child again.
For Kyle, no two days look the same. Sometimes it’s one to one support, giving a child the space to open up about their feelings. Other times, it is group activities like painting, scavenger hunts, or cooking pizza together. And then there are the special days out like trips to Drayton Manor where children can laugh, play, and feel a sense of normality away from the trauma they have faced.
“The most important thing is that the kids feel seen, cared for, and able to have fun. They deserve to feel like kids again,” Kyle explains.
Why Kyle’s role matters
Domestic abuse does not just affect adults, it deeply impacts children too. Research shows that around 1 in 5 children in the UK have lived with domestic abuse at some point in their childhood (NSPCC). Many of them experience fear, confusion, and trauma that can shape their development if they are not supported.
For children entering refuge, the sudden shift can be overwhelming. They may not fully understand why they have left their home or why they are separated from a parent. This can leave them with feelings of loss, guilt, or anger. Workers like Kyle help them navigate those feelings in a safe, supportive way.
The statistics show just how important this support is:
· Around 62% of children exposed to domestic abuse are also directly harmed (SafeLives).
· Children who grow up in these environments are more likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress.
· Safe, positive interventions like those delivered by workers can help break the cycle of abuse and enable children to build healthy futures.
Creating childhood memories
This summer, Kyle has been busy making sure children in refuge don’t miss out on the experiences many take for granted. From sports days and painting to big days out, these activities mean everything to families trying to rebuild their lives.
The impact is clear from the feedback families share:
· “I really enjoyed the day out and so did the kids. It felt very family friendly, and it was nice meeting other mums from different refuges. I’d definitely recommend doing it again.”
· “The trip to Drayton Manor was brilliant. We had loads of laughs and the weather was great. Even though the queues were long, me and my daughter still had a fantastic time and would definitely go again.”
· “Me and my two children had such a great time at Drayton Manor. It was our first visit and I’m so grateful to the team for organising it. My children loved the zoo and the dinosaur trail. It was an amazing day together and we’d love to go back again soon.”
· “It was perfect. The kids had so much fun and I’m so thankful. For a day I was able to forget my worries.”
· “We all loved the trip. It was so nice to spend quality time with the kids. Thank you.”
For children who have endured trauma, and parents carrying the weight of recovery, these moments are more than just fun. They are part of the healing process.
From passion to purpose
Supporting children has always been at the heart of Kyle’s journey. Before joining Glow, he worked as an evening supervisor providing children with outdoor adventures like orienteering and scavenger hunts. While domestic abuse support is new to him, his passion for helping young people shine through challenges is what drives his work.
Now, every day, he is making a tangible difference in the lives of children who need it most.
The bigger picture
Children and Young Person’s Workers like Kyle play a vital role in helping children recover from the trauma of domestic abuse. They provide safe spaces, emotional support, and opportunities for joy, laying the foundations for a brighter, abuse free future.
At Glow, we believe that every child deserves to live a life free from fear. Workers like Kyle are helping make that belief a reality.
If you would like to support our work and help more children like those Kyle cares for, find out how you can get involved here: www.findtheglow.org.uk/supporting-young-people
