Celebrating Power of Change and South Asian Heritage Month

This month, we were proud to celebrate the completion of our very first online evening Power of Change group. This pilot was designed specifically for women who work full-time or have other commitments during the day, offering a safe, supportive space in the evenings to reflect, connect, and rebuild.

Our final session was emotional, powerful, and deeply inspiring. The women shared their personal journeys from initial uncertainty to a growing sense of self-worth, healing, and resilience. There were tears of joy, as well as tears that reminded us of the ongoing challenges many still face. What was undeniable was the strength in the group and the deep connection that developed throughout the course.

To mark both the completion of the group and South Asian Heritage Month, we visited Kurumilagu Indian Kitchen a fantastic independent restaurant in Bradford, recommended by one of the women in the group. The food was absolutely amazing, and we’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for authentic, vibrant South Indian cuisine (see photo attached!). It was the perfect setting for a celebration rooted in culture, community, and shared experience.

Throughout the group, the women reflected on their personal growth, while also exploring themes of cultural identity and belonging. Powerful stories were shared about family traditions, generational dynamics, and the challenges of navigating cultural expectations while healing from abuse. These conversations sparked rich discussions about how heritage can shape both struggle and strength. It was a timely reminder of the richness of Bradford’s diversity and the importance of cultural sensitivity in how we support victim-survivors.

One of the most powerful takeaways from the evening was a shared request for a peer support group outside the usual Monday–Friday, 9–5 structure. Every woman in the group expressed how rare it is to access something that fits around their daily lives and how much they valued having that flexibility. We’ve taken this feedback seriously and are actively exploring how we might deliver this, or something similar, in the near future.

Join a group

We offer a wide range of group based support and community activities tailored to different stages of recovery, including:

• Power of Change (in-person and online)
• Peer support groups
• Trauma-informed workshops and training (for both community members and professionals)
• Peer-led activities
• Community-based events

These services are often a powerful bridge for survivors moving from crisis into longer-term empowerment, healing, and connection.

This work also reinforces the importance of co-production ensuring that the voices of victim-survivors remain at the heart of our service design and delivery. When we listen, adapt, and respond to what women tell us they need, we build services that are more inclusive, more accessible, and ultimately more impactful.

Thank you again to the incredible women who took part in our very first online Power of Change group. Your openness, strength, and support for one another continue to shape what we do and how we grow.

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