Our Impact

An AVP Workshop is a unique sharing of human experiences, achieved through a friendly non-judgmental atmosphere, exercises, mutual respect, equality and trust. Encouraging authenticity and individual voices to be heard. A process of learning by listening, reflecting, participating and supporting one another. When we truly hear everyone, perspectives are broadened. We gain insights and clarity. We may come to realise that everyone suffers at different times. We all struggle. We all make mistakes, make poor choices, have regrets and resentments. We can get trapped in places we can’t see out of, maybe we are too frightened to move or change. We can lose hope, or sight of what is best for us. We repeat behaviours that are not healthy and in our best interests. We take a back seat and let life or people control us. We may drift hopelessly and blame others or ourselves, for our misfortune, or feel helpless. Each and everyone of us is part of ‘The human condition’ a mix of light and dark – good and bad. Through sharing, understanding and empathy, participants in an AVP group can offer ways and means of taking back our Power and control. Creatively tackling our past stories and situations to produce alternative solutions. Changing habits and behaviour patterns that do not help us. Writing different stories and outcomes. We can look at choices and responses to difficulties and circumstances we find ourselves in going forward. Sometimes the first step to healing, hope and growth is to be seen and heard. To appreciate that we are all human beings and all in it together! Maybe AVP helps demonstrate that we are all more capable than we think. We can change, we can flourish, and we can thrive in this difficult world. We can do it with support. We can take it slowly. We can tell our story in whatever way we want. Freedom is to be found in choices. AVP opens possibilities for ‘us’ to build a better future together. Our greatest resources are the people who work with AVP (inside and out) and what an enriching, energising and sometimes fun experience it is.

Jammy Joan (retired from the day job) – reflects on why she loves volunteering with AVP