The idea
Our project is aimed to get women and young girls who are victims of domestic violence (DV), to integrate in our community by participating in regular physical activity within a DV support group.
There is sadly a high incidence of DV crimes in the Kosovan/Albanian/Macedonian and Gorani Community group along with
more than 50% of our female community members currently suffer with major depressive disorders, anxiety, PTSD as a result. This, combined with low levels of physical activity and self isolation has led to our community members feeling segregated, alone and not a part of the wider community. We wish to increase their participation within our community group and society by holding fortnightly creative writing and traditional dance classes. This will allow the women to express themselves via a healthy outlet, whilst being supported by our trained volunteers and staff. Our project aims to increase confidence, engagement and encourage long-term inclusion of women affected by DV.
What we'll deliver
- 2 Groups of 12 sessions each Traditional Dance Classes
- 2 Groups of 12 sessions each Creative Writing Classes
- Once a month of drop in sessions
- 500 published copies of a book written by the participants
Why it's a great idea
Research has shown that DV has serious short and long term mental and physical consequences on the health of the victims and their families. As a result, we wish to create a safe, open and judgement free environment for our community members to not only engage with other women of similar backgrounds but to also enjoy themselves. Throughout our project, we will also invite facilitators from Refuge, Mind and Hounslow Domestic and Sexual Violence Outreach Service to provide free help and advice to our participants. We will also hold monthly drop in sessions for women who need further support.
Our projects aims are to encourage long-term inclusion and participation in our community and further society, encourage the uptake of regular physical and creative activities, provide a safe environment for female victims of domestic violence and teach them about keeping safe, their rights and how to report any problems they have.
Steps to get it done
- 2X12 Creative Writing Workshops
- 2X12 Traditional Dance Workshops
- Buying 20 Traditional Costumes
- Publishing 500 copies of a book with a collection Creative Writing pieces
- Traditional Dance Group performing at our Coexisting Cultures: 20 Years of British Albanians in London event
- Have service providers from Refuge, Mind & Outreach Services attend our Traditional Dance and Creative Writing Workshops
SFIDA would like to showcase the achievements of the women who participated throughout our project by inviting them to perform at our event, Coexisting Cultures: 20 Years of British Albanians in London.
The pieces of creative writing will be collated into a book which will be published and sold at various community and charity events. The proceeds will go towards holding more dancing and creative writing sessions for women and families who are victims of domestic violence.
