Staying safe
How to read the stories

Staying safe

How can people keep safe in relationships?

One of the best ways to help people keep safe in relationships is to help them to build up their confidence and self-esteem. One way of doing this is through taking part in drama and role play. This is also a really good way for people to focus on thinking about how people relate to one another and to work out the difference between unhealthy and healthy relationships. Role play can offer people the opportunity to try out different ways of responding to different situations. This can be like a rehearsal so that it becomes easier to be assertive in real relationships.

Creating opportunities to talk about relationships and ‘good’ and ‘bad’ ways of treating one another are also really helpful. This can be done either in a small group or one to one.

How to read the stories

There is no right or wrong way to read the stories.

Some people are not used to reading stories. Start at the beginning and read the story in each picture. Encourage the reader to move through the pages at their own pace.
Encourage the person to tell the story in their own words. You will discover what they think is happening, what they already know, and how they feel. If you are using the pictures to help explain a procedure to someone, you may need to describe or clarify the actions being shown in each picture to help them understand. Try not to challenge the reader(s) or suggest their ideas are wrong.
Some pictures may be more difficult to understand. It can help to prompt the people you are supporting, for example:
• Who do you think that is?
• What is happening?
• How is he or she feeling?
• Do you feel like that? Has it happened to you/ your friend/ your family?
Allow people enough time to follow the pictures at their own pace. Allow time for discussion of each picture.
Some people may benefit from reading the larger story from which the extract has been taken. This will allow them to explore their feelings and experiences in more depth. To buy the complete book, follow the link to the bookshop that appears at the end of the story.