Women's Health Matters

Valentine’s Day can be tough after leaving an abusive relationship. 💜 You’re not alone. Read our latest blog for support, self-care tips & empowerment. #Healing #SelfLove #WomensHealthMatters 💪✨ Read more 👉 https://lnkd.in/eTtnBmXf

🎨 New Blog Post: Project Spotlight – Art of Her 🌸 We’re excited to introduce Art of Her, our new free 8-week Art Therapy programme for young women aged 16-25. This project, funded by The Pilgrim Trust, provides a safe, supportive space where participants can explore creativity, express emotions, and build resilience—all with the guidance of a professional Art Psychotherapist. Art therapy offers a powerful way to process emotions, reduce stress, and connect with others on a similar journey. If you or someone you know could benefit, referrals are now open! 📖 Read more: https://lnkd.in/eTtnBmXf #ArtOfHer #ArtTherapy #WomensHealthMatters #MentalHealthMatters #CreativityForWellbeing #SupportForWomen

Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is a pervasive issue, often left in the shadows. Breathe Free volunteers worked alongside students from Leeds Arts University to create a series of poignant artworks that raise awareness and inspire action. Unveiled on Human Rights Day during the #16DaysOfAction, this project showcases the transformative power of art and advocacy. It reminds us of the resilience of survivors and the importance of supporting a future free from domestic abuse. Thank you to all who contributed to this vital initiative, including Briony Burke and Paulette from Women Friendly Leeds. #HumanRightsDay #DVA #CoProduction #SocialImpactArt"

Join our full-day, in-person training co-produced with survivors of Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) to improve your response. Learn about lesser-known forms of abuse, risk management tools, and resources to support women. For more info and to register: https://lnkd.in/ezmdRvRf #DVATraining #WomensHealthMatters #Leeds #DomesticAbuse

At our Annual Celebration Event of Women's Health Matters, a poignant booklet titled "Change" was unveiled. It featured deeply personal written pieces and drawings created by women supported by the organisation. The theme of change was explored from various perspectives, with contributors reflecting on transformations in their lives, the seasons, and the future they aspire to. During the day, women and staff took part in craft activities such as making wellbeing jars, tote bags, cards and pompoms and enjoying a shared lunch together. Key Messages of the Booklet Change as a Path to Healing: Many women shared their personal journeys of overcoming traumatic experiences, particularly domestic abuse. Through building resilience, finding stability, and creating a support network, they have embraced change as a crucial part of their recovery process. Seasons of Change: Several contributions used the natural world as a metaphor for life's changes. A beautiful poem, simply titled "Change", compared the transformation of the seasons to the cycles of human experience—loss, renewal, and eventual growth. Empowerment through Reflection: Reflecting on change offered these women a sense of empowerment. One contributor described how her experience with Women's Health Matters led her from a place of hopelessness to becoming empowered and able to help others on their own paths to recovery. The booklet is more than just a collection of stories—it stood as a testament to the resilience of women who, despite enduring significant challenges, are embracing the transformative power of change. Sharing this booklet during the celebration allowed attendees to bear witness to the strength of the women supported by WHM and offered a collective moment for healing and reflection. The Importance of Reflecting on Change in Recovery For many who have faced trauma, reflecting on change plays a crucial role in their recovery. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge the pain of the past while fostering hope for the future. By doing so, individuals regain control of their narrative, turning their struggles into sources of strength and resilience. The women who contributed to this booklet exemplified how reflecting on their personal transformations has helped them rebuild their lives. The "Change" booklet serves as a powerful reminder that change is always possible, even during the most challenging times. With collective support and thoughtful reflection, these women have found the strength to move forward, and their stories offer hope and inspiration to others on similar journeys. View the full 'Change' booklet here: https://lnkd.in/eZi2kYQC

On Wednesday, we gathered at the Headingley Heart Centre for our Annual Celebration Event filled with crafts, laughter, and a shared lunch. 💕 Women shared heartfelt writings on the theme of ‘change.’ Stay tuned for the release of our online book showcasing the writings and artworks by women and staff at WHM next week! 📖 Thank you to all of the women, staff, trustees and volunteers who attended to make it a special day. ✨

In collaboration with Women Friendly Leeds, Breathe Free volunteers and LAU students created this meaningful artwork as an initial exploration into themes surrounding the end of gender-based violence. This marks the beginning of our #16DaysofAction campaign, a global effort to raise awareness and drive action toward eradicating violence against women and girls. Art can be a powerful tool for change, and we’re proud to support these voices and stories through this initiative.

🌟 We're proud to share that 98% of our clients agree they feel able to get the support they need from Women’s Health Matters. 💜 Learn more about the work we do and how we're helping women thrive, or how to support us: https://lnkd.in/eq-PNr2Y

Our staff team took part in a wonderful session lead by Sarah from Leeds Older People's Forum, becoming Dementia Friends. From the session, our staff learnt valuable skills to be able support those living with dementia at work and in every day life. At the end of the session, each staff member pledged an action they will take to improve the lives of those with dementia. Thank you Sarah!

Tickets are on sale for our first Understanding Child Removal for Women: A Compassionate Approach training session on the 6th November. Book now: https://lnkd.in/eCk3k-Nx