by Tracey Robinson

In the run-up to our GrappleThon in support of Womankind Bristol next month, Artemis BJJ instructor Tracey headed down to their offices (a short walk from MYGYM) to talk to them about their wonderful charity work. 

Before I talk about the services they offer, I want to say that Womankind Bristol are thrilled that we are fundraising for them. The staff were lovely and very interested in what a grapplethon was! Their mission is to help women to improve their mental health and well-being so they can experience a better quality of life. They offer a number of services:

• Helpline

• Group therapy

• Individual counselling

• Specialist counselling service for women who have suffered sexual violence

• Safer women’s project – supports women who have been trafficked or refugees

• Service for deaf and hard of hearing women

• Befriending service for women who are isolated and struggle to leave their home

• Transgender support group – the only one in the South West

Womankind Bristol are currently setting up an instant messaging service. They hope to launch the service in about 6 months time and part of the money raised in the grapplethon will go towards this project. This service will be geared towards young women and those who are deaf and hard of hearing.

On a personal note, I was overwhelmed at the variety of issues that Womankind Bristol deal with, including: anxiety and depression, eating problems, physical disabilities and suicidal thoughts. They strive to help those who struggle and I am thrilled that we can raise money to enable them to carry on doing this.

by Tracey Robinson

In the run-up to our GrappleThon in support of One25 next week, Artemis BJJ student Tracey headed down to their offices (a short walk from MYGYM) to talk to them about their wonderful charity work. 

A morning at the One25 drop-in centre gave me a wonderful insight into the work they do.  There are 3 ways they help women who are trapped in street sex work:

• Van outreach. The van goes out 5 nights a week around central Bristol and offers women food, first aid, warm clothing and a chance to sit in the van to talk if they want.

• Drop-in centre. This is open in the afternoons and caters for their basic needs… hot meal, shower, laundry & free clothes and a weekly health clinic.  There are also creative activities available: cooking, sewing, writing etc.   Plus, an opportunity to have someone listen to them, be a friend and help build up their self-esteem.

• Women wanting to move away from working on the streets are linked up with the casework team, who support each woman to take steps to improve their life.  This could be finding them somewhere safe to live, rehabilitation, re-connecting with family etc.

80% of the women that use One25 are homeless or are in unsafe accommodation.  They are usually malnourished, have neglected their health and many are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol.  One25 takes care of all their needs, both immediate and long-term.   The work they do is outstanding and worthwhile, as demonstrated in Andrea’s story:

http://one25.org.uk/stories/andreas-story/#storyTitle