A new promotional video has been launched to help women find support during relationship break down. The 5 minute video can be viewed on http://www.maypole.org.uk
Our challenge as filmmakers was to come up with a way of telling real women’s stories, without access to those women. We worked with Rosalind, one of the volunteers and project lead to produce a profile of two women, based on true stories from several women who had previously used maypole’s services and could explain the problems they faced, and where they found the information and advice they needed. It was decided that we would use actors to tell these stories.
The lottery funded video launches as women’s needs for free legal advice and support is predicted to significantly increase as legal aid is reduced in 2013. Maypole Women, the UK’s only dedicated charity supporting women through separation and divorce, is stepping in to help to fill the gap.
The video covers where to find help on finances, housing, supporting children, legal advice, domestic violence, mediation, representing yourself in court, and coping with stress and domestic violence.
The video also introduces some of the problems mothers face in promoting contact – issues that are rarely heard, but affect many women trying to share care with a controlling ex partner.
On finding Maypole’s web site Claire, a mother of 2 young children, said:
“In all this time I thought I was alone and no-one could help me. Since reading Maypole’s information at last I’ve found there is knowledge of my situation, and I can’t be the only one!”
The video also signposts women to Maypole’s free checklists, helping women plan beforehand (if they have time), stay safe, negotiate care of children, and organise their financial well being.
Information Leaflets provide relevant research to help women’s views be taken seriously during negotiations with their ex partner, or in mediation or the family courts.
Anne Hurst, spokesperson for the charity, said: “For years there has been an emphasis on fathers through divorce, whilst the difficulties women face, such as problems promoting contact, achieving financial security, and leaving abusive relationships, are hardly talked about, so it can be hard for women to find the right help.
The video helps ensure women cover all the essentials during separation, and know where to find support for themselves and their children.”
Feature Media are really pleased that we were able to produce a video tool to help Maypole promote their services. For more about Maypole, please use the link at the top of the post and share the film with other people you think might find it useful. We will be evaluating the films performance in a few months time and producing a case study for Feature Media website in due course.
Thanks to Maypole for the majority of content in this post











