Sunflower Champions

Spot the signs of domestic abuse. Know where to signpost people who need help.

• Become a Sunflower Champion
• Herts Sunflower Champion Network
• What you'll get

Herts Sunflower Champions are everyday people who can keep a look out for others that may be experiencing domestic abuse, from hairdressers to taxi drivers, corporate workplace champions to bar & restaurant staff.

With a network of eyes and ears around Hertfordshire, there's a better chance to ensure that no-one experiencing domestic abuse is left isolated and without the support they want.

The Herts Sunflower Champion Network offers you an opportunity to receive fully funded Domestic Abuse J9 Awareness training to improve your confidence in understanding domestic abuse and guidance on how you can provide a safe space to talk for those who might need it.

After completing your training, you will be invited to become part of a community of champions across Hertfordshire that meet online quarterly to discuss their role, network and hear from guest speakers on various topics. You will also be invited to receive the monthly Herts Sunflower Partnership e-newsletter, filled with relevant news and information from across local and national services, alongside further training opportunities from across the Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women & Girls sector.

Become a Sunflower Champion

All you need to do is:

1. Read the information booklet and make sure that you understand the service level agreement.
2. Complete this online application form (estimated time to complete 6 mins)

Once we have received your completed application form we will send you the registration links to take part in the training.

If you have any queries, please contact strategic.partnership@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Herts Sunflower Champion Network

Herts Sunflower Champions

Herts sunflower champions are provided with a 3-hour ‘J9’ online training workshop that seeks to help delegates gain an understanding of domestic abuse, to recognise and respond to victims and understand how to refer that person to appropriate help and support. The ‘J9’ Champion training is delivered by Safer Places, a recognised trainer for the J9 domestic abuse initiative. A Herts Sunflower Champions can be anyone involved in a local business or service who comes into contact with the public, regardless of their job role. This is our ‘help on the high street’ approach to tackling domestic abuse.

The J9 initiative - Safer Places

J9 training was developed in memory of Janine Mundy, a mother killed by her estranged husband in 2003.  "J9" is how Janine used to sign her text messages. The initiative was started by her family and Police in Cornwall.

What happens after the J9 training?

Once delegates have attended the training, they will receive a Champion’s welcome pack with physical resources to support them in their role such as a J9 pin badge and sunflower lanyard, plus access to further online support to help them in their role. This includes a PDF with further information to aid victims in understanding their rights and accessing help and support. Champions will also be given permission to add the J9 logo to their email signature and be given physical J9 stickers which can be displayed in their window, in their car or for example on their office door. Wherever the J9 logo is displayed, it alerts victims that your business is a safe place where they can talk to someone in confidence, seek information and the use of a telephone. 

What you'll get

• FREE Online certified ‘J9’ training to support you in your role as a Herts Sunflower Champion.
• Knowledge and information to provide needed support to colleagues within your organisation and beyond, through enhanced practical help and support when needed. 
• Access to physical resources to support you in your role, including a pdf for champions with useful signposting information, J9 window stickers, Herts Sunflower Posters and a J9 pin badge. Access to further Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse and VAWG Partnership materials may be available on request.
• You will become part of the Herts Sunflower Champions Network and invited to attend quarterly online network meetings, to hear from guest speakers, benefit from further training and an opportunity to network with other champions.
• The Herts Sunflower Partnership quarterly e-newsletter ‘Herts Sunflower News’, filled with local and national news, training and resources to support you in your role.

Most importantly, doing this will help people in the community who really need it. Together we can make a difference.