Women in Wiltshire facing abuse encouraged to take step towards safety
FearFree and Wiltshire Council are teaming up to offer supportive and safe physical activities
A new support initiative is being set up in Wiltshire to help women at risk of harm take a step towards safety.
FearFree is partnering with Wiltshire Council to host weekly 'stretch and stroll' events, with the first one being held in Trowbridge next month.
It follows the charity's successful 'Free the Night' event in March, where hundreds of people walked through the streets of the county town in support of women's night time safety for International Women's Day.
FearFree CEO Debbie Beadle told us she's proud that event is leading to further initiatives being created.
"I don't think we could have asked for anything more," she said, adding: "The hope of that was that it would kind of have a template which we can spread across Wiltshire."
It's hoped these weekly walks will allow women who may living in an abusive relationship to begin the process of finding support.
Debbie said it can help women build their safety network.
"Often women who are in abuse situations, they've really had their confidence not from gas lighting being told they're stupid, they're worthless or whatever it is. And often they come out a shell of the person they once were. But being able to meet other people and talk can really kind of build your self esteem," she said.
Deputy Council Leader, Cllr Mel Jacob, told us one of it's big positives is it's not an intimidating setting.
She said: "It also gives people an opportunity to come together and find that support where they might be isolated or just don't have time to get out and do anything.
"It's a chance to access those people who have had really tricky lives. We all need something in our lives that makes us happy and this is something that can really do that."
The events aim to be accessible to all women, not just those experiencing or survivors of abuse, with no payment or special kit required, although their is a voluntary donation of £1.
They're part of Wiltshire Council's Leisure team ambition to create safe spaces for people to come together and experience the benefits of physical activity in order to live happier and healthier lives.
The team also wants to reduce the barriers to accessing physical activity for individuals and families struggling the most to do so.
The first stretch and stroll event takes place in Trowbridge on Thursday 10th July, starting outside County Hall.