Campaigning

Conference 2026 - Turning the Tide

Save the date for our upcoming Conference 26th February 2026

Not only will be be having some incredible guest speakers, we will also be launching The Tide film which aims to shed light on the realities of navigating the UK court system and to convey what it truly feels like to go through it — the confusion, the intimidation, and the overwhelming fear that many experience. Viewers, particularly those who work within the system, should gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of survivors of abuse. By increasing awareness and empathy, we hope to inspire meaningful change in how survivors are supported and treated throughout the process. 

At the Turning the Tide conference we aim to 

  • Unite professionals across the legal system, social care, mental health, education, and the voluntary sector to deepen understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Domestic Abuse.
  • Raise awareness of how trauma shapes behaviour, decision-making, and family dynamics, with a focus on its implications for women and children navigating the Family Court system.
  • Promote trauma-informed practice at every stage of the legal process, encouraging professionals to embed empathy, safety, and psychological understanding into their work.
  • Create a collaborative space for learning, reflection, and shared expertise, bringing together practitioners, researchers, and experts by experience.
  • Influence lasting, systemic change towards a Family Court environment that is fairer, more compassionate, and aligned with the long-term wellbeing and safety of families affected by trauma and abuse.

Community of Practice

Believe Community of Practice Leads the Way in Supporting Vulnerable Mothers Across Cheshire

The Believe Community of Practice, facilitated by Her- Place, continues to grow as a vital space for professionals and organisations working to support mothers at risk of child removal. Through collaboration, shared learning, and solution-focused dialogue, the Community is tackling some of the region’s most pressing social care challenges.

Currently, the group is prioritising two key areas of support:

  1. Expanding Access to Hope Boxes Across Cheshire
    Hope Boxes—care packages containing essential items and wellbeing resources—provide emotional and practical support to mums in crisis. The Community of Practice is working to ensure every mother in need across the county has access to one, regardless of postcode or circumstance.
  2. Improving Support for Mothers on Release from Prison
    Recognising the particular vulnerabilities of women leaving the criminal justice system, the group is developing strategies to improve transition support. This includes coordinated services, early intervention, and trauma-informed care to help mothers rebuild family bonds and prevent further separation from their children.

Kate Blakemore, CEO of Her-Place and lead for the Believe Community of Practice, said:
“We are passionate about creating systemic change by supporting mums who are often overlooked or stigmatised. Our work isn’t just about preventing child removal—it’s about giving women hope, tools, and real chances to move forward.”

The Community of Practice meets monthly online and brings together professionals from social care, criminal justice, health, and third-sector organisations. These sessions create a safe, constructive space to share challenges, celebrate successes, and influence service development across Cheshire.

Professionals interested in joining the Believe Community of Practice or contributing to the Hope Box initiative can contact Kate Blakemore at kate@her-place.co.uk

About Her Place:
Her- Place is a charity that provides mental health and wellbeing support for women and girls. The Believe project, one of its key programmes, is dedicated to supporting mums at risk of or affected by child protection interventions. Communities of Practice bring together staff within professional areas to connect, collaborate, solve problems and support career fulfilment and development.

The Tide

 The Tide is a short film that we have recently secured funding for that has been produced to highlight the unfairness that faces many mums when entering the court system. The film will be used as a training tool longer term for professionals in the court system to increase understanding of domestic abuse. The trailer has already been produced and it is clear that the full film will make a real impact.