New Stevenage FC Foundation Partnership To Help Stop Domestic Abuse

A new campaign to reach expectant dads who want to bring an end to hurtful behaviours in their relationships was launched at Stevenage Football Club’s home game on Good Friday, 14th April 2017 against Morecambe FC.

The Stefanou Foundation have teamed up with Stevenage FC Foundation to expand the reach of the campaign, which began with Stefanou sponsoring the Good Friday fixture, with a message that bringing an end to domestic abuse will give families their #BestHomeWin, because ending domestic abuse during pregnancy will make a big difference to the life chances of babies.

A Stevenage based charity, the Stefanou Foundation, has created the Healthy Relationships: Healthy Baby Programme as a new way of working with fathers and mothers who want to break the cycle of domestic abuse and give their baby the best start in life. The programme starts in pregnancy and it supports both parents, whether or not they are together as a couple.

Judith Rees, Director of Healthy Relationships: Healthy Baby, says: “Pregnancy is a time of hope but it can also be frightening for mums and dads if it brings back painful memories of growing up with violence or fear. Our programme works with each parent’s motivation to change and create the family life they want for themselves and their children.”

Clive Abrey, Commercial Director at Stevenage Football Club said: “The Boro is backing the #BestHomeWin campaign to help get across the message that it’s a sign of strength to ask for help to change behaviour. The Healthy Relationships: Healthy Baby Programme team are non-judgmental and supportive. We can see why the programme is working for the families who have joined already.”

Joe Goude, Head of Stevenage Football FC Foundation added: “We know how much Stevenage dads and mums want to be great parents. We are excited to be forming a new partnership with this great local charity that works with dads and mums when it can make the biggest difference. We encourage dads and mums to take up this fantastic offer of early support.”

Stelio Stefanou, Chairman of the Stefanou Foundation, said: “We were delighted to team up with Stevenage Football Club and Stevenage Football Club Foundation for the Good Friday match to help us to reach out to dads and mums who want to turn around their lives and create a new future for their children. We look forward to building our partnership with the Boro.”

The Stefanou Foundation handed out pens to every Stevenage fan (and to all of the Morecambe fans who travelled to the match) to promote the HRHB programme. Stelio and his guests were really excited to meet with Boro Bear for some photo opportunities and to discuss match tactics!

If you are an expectant mum or dad and would like an informal chat about HRHB, please email the Stefanou Foundation at [email protected] or ring 07702 538080.

Break the Cycle of Abuse – It could be your Best Home Win – #BestHomeWin