The Wellingborough Trauma Centre provides treatment for people who have experienced distressing life events, such as physical assaults, rape and domestic violence. A majority of its referrals come from Victim Support and Women’s Aid. Women who come to the session find a place of peace and tranquillity, giving them emotional support through their current struggles. Tina believes that women who do not receive this kind of support often become depressed.
Centre Manager, Tina was a victim of domestic violence and it was this group that helped get her life back on track. This inspired her to become a volunteer and she is now the centre manager.
Tina says, “We are absolutely delighted that Avon has recognised the work we do here – thank you! The fund will enable women who have suffered violence and oppression to heal their inner wounds and get their lives back with new confidence.”
CoppaFeel! aims to implement a breast cancer awareness campaign targeting young women. Founder, Kristin set up CoppaFeel! two months after being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 23. She's determined to visit schools and universities to spread the word and strongly believes that her project could save lives through early detection. Kristin was misdiagnosed twice as she did not fit the profile for breast cancer and as a result, now has advanced cancer.
Says Kristin, "I am thrilled to get local support from Avon's Northamptonshire Women's Fund. I know that with this money I can reach out to even more young women about the importance of breast cancer awareness and how crucial it is to start checking from an early age. My story allows me to spread the word that breast cancer can and does happen to young women. I am excited to keep spreading this important message and can't thank Avon enough."
The aim: To provide workshops for women who are isolated due to language and cultural barriers
Founder, Mridula Dhall hopes her workshops will help ethnic minority women who may be isolated due to language and cultural barriers work on their social inclusion & self esteem.
Mridula Dhall said: "we are extremely grateful that Avon has chosen to support us and everything we do. The fund will mean we can run a series of beneficial workshops in the hope that women will use the skills they have learnt to create small business ventures and to develop their independence."
Corby Women's Centre is currently the only women's centre in Northamptonshire and aims to empower women by providing specialist services to those with emotional, physical and social needs.
Chairman, Claudine believes that problems associated with social deprivation are prevalent with high incidences of domestic violence, teenage pregnancies, drink and drug abuse and mental health problems. The centre has worked hard to alleviate these problems with great success and it’s crucial to women in the area that they continue to do so.
Claudine says: "Avon's Northampton shire Women's Fund means a great deal to the centre. The award will enable us to continue providing our much needed core services such as emotional support, counseling and sexual health information. We are hoping that one day we can alleviate the problems that are currently facing the community and we cannot wait to run our new weekly drop in service."
Northampton Elite Cheerleading Squad aims to encourage women of all ages and abilities to be an active part of their community by getting involved in cheerleading.
Director, Fiona Delaney hopes that her cheerleading classes will help women and children to work on their fitness and self esteem. She will strive on encouraging women who are normally excluded from such activities due to deprivation or disability.
Says Fiona: "We are very proud that Avon has faith in what we are aiming to achieve. Funding a group at this time, with the economic climate can be very difficult and this grant has literally ensured our survival. It will make a huge difference into the events we can participate in over the summer which will help us empower and improve the lives of women and girls in the community."
