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A new café aimed at providing job opportunities and workplace training to individuals who have experienced abuse and former prisoners seeking to reintegrate into society is due to open in town later this month.
Taking the form of a café/restaurant, The Butterfly Effect will be opening at the current site of St Malo Bistro after receiving £155,000 in support from Government.
Led by Cheyenne O’Connor, the initiative will also provide a secure location in a non-judgemental setting in which abuse survivors can be listened to with access to ongoing, survivor-led services, such as peer-support group meetings, training, a helpline, a job shop, and advocacy assistance.
The Butterfly Effect Limited will seek to help survivors of institutionalised and/or sexual abuse, and anyone who has had to access Jersey’s Children’s Services, as well as working with those who are part of the Reducing Reoffending Strategy to provide dedicated support to former prisoners as they integrate into society.
Pictured: Cheyenne O'Connor (right) is one one of the founders of The Butterfly Effect and she will lead the venture.
“The Butterfly Effect venture aims to provide a range of survivor-led services including employment opportunities, peer-support group meetings, training, a helpline, and advocacy assistance," Ms O'Connor said.
“We aim to help all survivors of sexual abuse, institutionalised abuse and families who past or present have fallen under Children’s Services to ensure they receive the best support by fully-trained trauma informed specialists including those with lived experience.
"It’s clear that there’s a strong link between experiencing abuse or being in care and being at a higher risk of criminal behaviour."
Pictured: Cheyenne (centre) previously organised the Christmas Toy Appeal which resulted in over 1000 presents being donated to Jersey charities and Children’s Social Care for those supported by the service.
She added: “Unfortunately, survivors of abuse and care leavers often struggle to reintegrate into society after serving time in prison, especially if they lack basic necessities such as employment and accommodation, it is one of our aims to also help towards reducing reoffending.
“We are sincerely grateful to all those who have supported this venture and made it possible. In particular, we would like to thank the Government of Jersey for its endorsement and financial support, and also Zedra Trust Company (Jersey) Limited, who provided The Butterfly Effect with company formation services, free of charge.”
The Chief Minister, Deputy Kristina Moore, said: “This is a fantastic initiative set-up and led by survivors of abuse to help others with workplace opportunities and training.
"As a government, we are committed to creating a community where everyone can thrive, and I sincerely hope the public support this service once it is up and running.”
Pictured: The butterfly symbol was created by the Citizen’s Panel – who were set up after the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry – as "a symbol of life, endurance, transformation and hope".
Chief Officer of Children, Young People, Education and Skills, Rob Sainsbury, said: “Everyone involved in The Butterfly Effect should be proud of what they have achieved, especially Cheyenne. The launch of The Butterfly Effect and its symbolic meaning is a significant step for survivors.
"The butterfly symbol was created by the Citizen’s Panel, who were set up after the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry. The Panel said that the butterfly emblem, which is also used for Jersey Children’s Day, is a symbol of life, endurance, transformation and hope.”
States of Jersey Prison Governor, Susie Richardson, said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to work closely with Cheyenne and the team as they establish this resource. We know that victims of abuse can go on to abuse and that those that are involved in abuse have often experienced it in their own childhoods.
"The more we can do to stop abuse and support the victims, the safer the island will be and the investment in this scheme is a significant commitment by Jersey to stopping this cycle of abuse.”
Pictured top: The current St Malo Bistro site where the Butterfly Effect café will be situated, and founder Cheyenne O'Connor.
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