In 2022, we were struck by tragedy when one of our members was murdered by her partner. Community organising is about uniting people with their neighbours to take action about things that they care about and have in common. The tragic loss had had the opposite effect. As well as feelings of grief and loss, our members told us that it made them feel powerless and scared. As a result, our members decided to gather together to understand what had happened, give local women a space to express themselves and work with others to make sure nothing like this could happen in their area again. Farzana, from Healing Justice London, joined us to facilitate a grief circle for members and staff.

In 2023, we held a series of coffee morning, which focussed on connecting, grounding and resourcing survivors of domestic violence. Members who attended the coffee mornings found the space important, and the grounding practice at the start of each session was something to look forward to. During these sessions members developed a ‘bill of rights’ which centred what they want women to be able to experience in the area, and ideas to make the community safer.

Thanks to funding from Sports England, this year (2024) we will be running self defence classes and yoga sessions!