A NEW scheme has been launched by Stourport Safer Neighbourhood Team to empower women and enhance personal safety across the Wyre Forest community.
Starting on Wednesday, November 19, the Stourport SNT Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Project will deliver five free self-defence and personal safety awareness sessions for women and girls aged 16 and over.
This project is part of the national VAWG strategy and supports the White Ribbon campaign, responding directly to community concerns about rising crime and anti-social behaviour. This is particularly in hotspot areas, such as the Walshes estate in Stourport.
Led by Kai Wilson, an internationally certified ITF Taekwon-Do instructor, the sessions will offe practical self-defence techniques, personal safety awareness training and confidence-building exercises.
The sessions
Sessions will take place at Areley Kings Village Hall, Areley Common Road, Stourport, from 2.45pm to 4.15pm on Wednesday, November 19, and at the same venue and at the same times on December 3 and December 17.
Further sessions will be held at St Michael’s Church Parish Room, Church Drive, Stourport, from 5.45pm to 7.15pm on November 26 and December 10.
Each session will accommodate 20 participants, with 100 women and girls expected to benefit from the programme. Registration is free, and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participants aged 16 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
Concerns raised
Sgt Matthew Ling of Stourport SNT, which is leading the project, said the sessions were organised in response to concerns raised by residents.
“By providing practical tools and confidence-building support, we aim to help women and girls feel safer and more empowered in their daily lives.
“It also reflects our commitment to proactive policing and strengthening trust within our community.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, John Campion, said: “I am committed to ensuring women and girls not only are safe but feel safe in their communities.
“No one should fear simply walking out their front door – yet for too many, that’s a daily reality caused predominantly by the actions of men.
“We must do more as a society to challenge and change this behaviour and bring perpetrators to justice.
“At the same time, initiatives like these self-defence sessions play a vital role in helping women and girls build confidence, increase awareness, and feel more secure in their everyday lives.”
Kai Wilson, Unite Taekwon-Do’s principal instructor, said it was an honour to be part of the project, adding the sessions were more than just physical techniques.
“They’re about empowering women to feel confident, aware, and in control of their personal safety.”
Areley Kings Village Hall Committee added: “We’re proud to host sessions that support such an important cause.
“Our venue is at the heart of the community, and we’re pleased to be part of a project that promotes safety and wellbeing for local women.”
St Michael’s Church Parish Team added: “Creating safe spaces for women is a shared responsibility.
“We’re delighted to support this initiative and welcome participants into our parish room for these vital sessions.”
Visit: forms.office.com/e/Dk74ynHYAb or email: [email protected] to register and reserve places.
