\n<\/p>\n
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund True You Today CIC, which runs workshops for Survivors of domestic abuse. Trust You Today\u2019s Anna HeardinLondon tells us about their work.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m Anna HeardinLondon, a confidence coach, empowerment photographer and circus expert with a drive and passion for social justice. I find creative solutions to help people reclaim their bodies, their energy and their time.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have three pioneering projects that focus on empowerment with social justice embedded at their core: as a photographer, HeardinLondon, as a coach in SelfCareSchool.co.uk and as a community organiser with True You Today for Survivors of gendered abuse.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrue You Today was born of the desire to support women and non-binary Survivors of domestic abuse through art, movement and creativity. Our mission to support Survivors to reclaim their bodies has led us to support other groups facing gendered abuse ranging from Survivors of domestic abuse, sexual abuse Survivors, people who have faced human trafficking and people facing homelessness. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur programme connects physical and emotional wellbeing. It empowers Survivors to cultivate internal security to rebuild their relationship with their body and to express themselves creatively. It is about reframing physical activity and encouraging people to prioritise their wellbeing, and connecting people to engage in their community by creating supportive local spaces. We aim to build stronger, healthier communities by forging connections to empowered choices through bonds of friendship, opportunity, activities, confidence and, most importantly, hope. <\/p>\n
\u201cTo this end, we offer a suite of workshops, including dance, mindfulness, circus, coaching and photography, which all focus on physical and mental health, wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem to build trust in themselves and bonds in their local community. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur key specialist workshops are: aerial classes to support strength, courage and flexibility; dance classes to improve physical health and social connections; photography to build self-esteem and body confidence; and mindset coaching to support emotional wellbeing and resilience. The programme is designed to support people to incorporate physical activity into their daily life while facilitating learning and connection, supporting their emotional wellbeing. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe offer workshops for free at a time suitable to participants to make them more accessible. We are aware that, with the cost of living crisis, self-care often gets neglected or has to be cancelled, and we aim to bridge this gap for those that need it most. With generous support from The Arsenal Foundation, we have been able to host a range of creative workshops for Survivors and support staff and volunteers who support them. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit at London Metropolitan University identified that when Survivors are removed from immediate control of an abuser this is only the first step on the path to healing and wellbeing. Holistic service provision, in addition to short-term risk reduction, is also required. <\/p>\n
\u201cDomestic abuse, sexual violence services and homeless shelters have expressed great need and demand for our project. We work alongside Survivors\u2019 support services, Rape Crisis, Nia, Solace and Women and Girls Network, among others, who all refer clients. We also offer sessions to gendered abuse support service staff and volunteers. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe support we\u2019ve received from The Arsenal Foundation has been invaluable to our participants. It has allowed Survivors of gendered abuse to rebuild confidence, reconnect with their bodies, and find safety and belonging through movement, creativity, and community.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s no secret that football sometimes gets linked with headlines about violence. Research from the National Centre for Domestic Violence shows incidents of domestic abuse rise by 26 per cent when England play, by 38 per cent if they lose, and by 11 per cent the following day \u2013 whatever the result. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut as studies from Harvard and the London School of Economics make clear, it\u2019s not the game itself that causes harm. It\u2019s the culture that can grow around it \u2013 one that sometimes normalises excessive drinking, aggression or silence when something isn\u2019t right.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why it matters so deeply when a club like Arsenal steps forward. Change doesn\u2019t just come from outside criticism \u2013 it comes from within communities, from role models who are willing to lead differently. When football shows up for its people \u2013 funding grassroots projects, supporting survivors, investing in care instead of conflict \u2013 it changes the story for everyone watching.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo the Arsenal Foundation: thank you for helping us build something safer, stronger, and kinder in the heart of our community.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf reading this has raised anything for you, or if you\u2019re worried about someone you know, please reach out for support.\u201d<\/p>\n
What they say<\/strong><\/p>\n People who have taken part in the workshops say\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cMy heath has improved since joining these workshops, particularly my mental health. I\u2019m able to stop myself from getting in too deep to depression or anxiety; I\u2019m able to do a lot of breathwork when I become overwhelmed from flashbacks or PTSD.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSince I escaped the abuse, and have been living in a refuge with my baby daughter, I have felt for a while that the abuse defined my life. To be able to step away from that, to feel like my old self, was incredible. I\u2019d lost touch a lot with the fun, glamorous woman I used to be and the workshop helped me tap back into that incredibly quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know if I have ever felt this before \u2013 but I feel like I am in my body.\u201d<\/p>\n If you need help\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact one of the following\u2026<\/p>\n National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24 hours): 0808 2000 247<\/p>\n Men\u2019s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327<\/p>\n Galop (LGBTQIA+ support): 0800 999 5428<\/p>\n Samaritans (for anyone in distress): 116 123<\/p>\n