The ‘Just4Women: Feel Good Factor’ Pamper Day, which is being held at Willsbridge Mill, is part of the area’s Domestic Violence Awareness Week.
As well as the Reiki and Indian Head Massage, a number of activities are being organised for women to enjoy throughout the day, including relaxation, henna tattoo, art workshops and card-making.
All women across the district are invited to the event, which runs from 10am until 2pm on Tuesday 21 November, and a free crèche and healthy lunch are also on offer. Health professionals, community workers and support workers from Survive (Womens Aid) will be there to raise awareness of Domestic Violence.
The free event has been funded by Safer South Gloucestershire and organised by the Bungalow Project, which runs drop-in sessions, parent and toddler groups and community learning courses in the Willsbridge, Oldland and Cadbury Heath areas.
Steve Skidmore, a community development worker who will be working on the event, said: "The Bungalow Project works with many different organisations and deals with a huge range of issues within the Willsbridge, Oldland and Cadbury Heath areas. We are very supportive of the Domestic Violence Forum and we work together to raise awareness of this sensitive issue in our communities. What better way to show that support than hosting this positive and proactive event, which gives all local women the message that they have a right to be pampered and enjoy themselves."
Officers organising the event are keen to emphasise that the event is not intended to send out the message that only women are affected by domestic violence. Approximately 90 per cent of incidents of domestic violence are committed by men against women and the reason this particular event has been organised for women only is so that all women feel safe and happy to attend.
Catherine Tarrant and her daughter have been part of the Bungalow or ‘Bungy Project’ for several years. She said: "It is such a home-from-home for us, and the community workers are always there to support and listen to us. The Bungy Project is informal and fun, and is a great way to make new friends in our local area and to help support each other. My daughter loves the childrens’ club and cyber café, which are run by volunteers. The project makes us proud to be part of our local community."
ENDS