PROFESSIONALS working with children in Wiltshire are being encouraged to attend a workshop next month on the impact domestic violence has on children.

The free conference is funded by the Wiltshire Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB). The board are a group of representatives from a wide range of agencies from both the public and voluntary sectors who work together to provide services to children and families across Wiltshire. These include early years, health (PCT's), police, probation service, young people's services, CAFCASS, West Wiltshire District Council, social services and education.

The LSCB's key task is to ensure children and young people are safeguarded from harm. In the process of the Wiltshire LSCB's work, it has been recognised that domestic abuse is a major source of worry and concern to children and young people.

The conference, called Domestic Abuse and its Impact on Children, is being held on Thursday June 5 between 9.30am and 4pm at The Music Centre in Bradford on Avon, near Trowbridge.

The keynote speaker for the day Camilla Batmanghelidjh, who is noted for her pioneering work in developing KIDSCo in South London, has worked with children who have experienced domestic abuse.

The conference is open to all people in statutory, private or voluntary sectors who work with children under the age of 18.

Carrie Ferguson, chair of the LSCB training sub committee, said: "The conference will provide an opportunity to hear from local speakers, find out about local resources, and highlight an awareness of the needs and risks to these children and young people.

Geese Theatre Group will be performing a play in the afternoon on the topic of how domestic violence affects children.

There will also be stands at the conference offering support and advice on a variety of topics. These include Splitz, the LSCB, Wiltshire Pathways, KIDSCo, Ask, Wiltshire Police and their Bobby Van, Homestart, NSPCC, Wiltshire Victim Support and Wishing Well Books.

Full details and application form can be found on www.wiltshirepathways.org or by contacting Amy Phillips on 01225 713560. Closing date for these applications is Friday May 16.

For more information please visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk or www.everychildmatters.gov.uk