We are thankful for Comic Relief funds, which supported Aanchal’s digital journey, beginning in 2016. We discovered new ways of engaging, consulting, researching, discovering and developing. Much of the digital learning allowed us to invest in discovery - not necessarily forcing a product - the end results also included discovering that what was already working, can continue working. We don’t have to continuously change things without reason. Or simply to do the same with a new edge, new technology. Comic Relief also invested in forging, supporting collaborations with multiple organisations, and experience on good partnership attitudes, behaviours and attributes. Discovering, learning and celebrating together. Standing out for Aanchal was the learning from Youth organisations, developing connections through on-line games, Deaf Women’s Organisation, raising concerns around on-line accessibility.
The Tech Vs Abuse Programme ran from December 2019 to November 2020. It was part of an investment by Comic Relief to encourage creative digital solutions to improve the safety of people affected by abuse and improve service delivery. The funding was for digital tools and approaches at the early stages of development, which respond to design challenges.
CAST coordinated the programme and different strands of help and support that were on offer. The highlights for Aanchal were the peer event sessions seeing inspirational work from other organisations. There is always potential in future collaboration to add value to Aanchal’s service offering.
Women affected by domestic abuse face multiple challenges in making long-term life decisions. In the rebuilding phase, they experience isolation, loneliness and lack of confidence due to a lack of knowledge about rights and practicalities. This can lead to increased depression and anxiety.
Aanchal wanted to consider a digital platform for this - reducing risk, increasing wellbeing and furthering our reach to help more women.
In Discovery Aanchal explored what women need to rebuild their lives and attitudes around technology.
They undertook a raft of research with participants. This included workshops, group sessions, 1-1 interviews as well as a podcast inviting feedback. They reached over 60 people.
Here’s what they learned:
User journey maps, pain points, a service map and personas from the collated data.
Here is the overarching need which emerged in Discovery:
As a ... woman who has experienced domestic abuse
I’d like a way to ... do things for myself like managing my bills, find work and not be alone
So I can ... feel good about myself, be myself and be proud of myself
This need is supported by a raft of supporting needs including:
