People and communities
It Starts with Men this White Ribbon Day
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Walsall Council supports White Ribbon Day and 16 Days of Action, a time which is internationally recognised for standing up to violence against women and girls.
During the 16 Days, the Safer Walsall Partnership is working with community organisations to deliver events and activities which help raise awareness of violence against women and girls, and how to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviour safely.
A ‘Tree of Hope’ will be unveiled at the New Art Gallery on 26 November. Local craft groups have been creating flowers to attach to the tree, to signify women and girls standing together in unity.
Smaller versions of the Tree of Hope will be displayed in the council’s libraries, for people to add decorative flowers to, should they wish to participate.
The trees will remain on display until 10 December.
“ The sad reality is, the majority of violence against women and girls is perpetrated by men.
All men can do their bit to help reduce violence against women and girls, by challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours, and being supportive allies in their day-to-day lives.
Throughout the 16 Days of Action, there are opportunities for the people of Walsall to get involved and help us support the cause. Our college students will be using art and performance to promote White Ribbon Day, and in our communities, there will be creativity too.
Community organisations are hosting sewing, knitting, and crochet sessions, plus ribbon making workshops, and drop-in sessions for people to go along to and support.
Violence against women and girls is everyone’s responsibility, and It Starts with Men. “
The 16 Days of Action finishes on 10 December, which is Human Right’s Day.
A summary of local events in the borough during the 16 Days of Action:
| Date | Time | Event | Location |
| Monday 25 November | 10am-2pm | White Ribbon Day stalls | Saddlers Shopping Centre, 1 Park St, Walsall WS1 1YS |
| Monday 25 November | 10am-12pm | Women’s Wellbeing Session | Aaina Community Hub Hub, Bath Rd, Walsall WS1 3BS |
| Tuesday 26 November | 10am | Tree of Hope Exhibition | New Art Gallery Walsall, Gallery Square, Walsall WS2 8LG |
| Thursday 28 November | 11am-1pm | Women’s Voices for Peace : Hosted by Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association Walsall and in partnership with Nash Dom CIC | Baitul Muqeet Mosque, 22 Vicarage Pl, Walsall WS1 3NA |
| Friday 29 November | 12-1:30pm | Friday Women’s Wellbeing | Aaina Community Hub Hub, Bath Rd, Walsall WS1 3BS |
| Friday 29 November | 12-1pm | Domestic Abuse drop in | Wisemore Campus, College Wy, Walsall WS2 8ES |
| Monday 2 December | 10am-12pm | Women’s Wellbeing Session | Aaina Community Hub Hub, Bath Rd, Walsall WS1 3BS |
| Friday 6 December | 10am-3pm | Training : Supporting Domestic Abuse in the Workplace | Virtual |
| Friday 6 December | 12-1:30pm | Friday Women’s Wellbeing | Aaina Community Hub Hub, Bath Rd, Walsall WS1 3BS |
| Monday 9 December | 10am-12pm | Women’s Wellbeing Session | Aaina Community Hub Hub, Bath Rd, Walsall WS1 3BS |
| Tuesday 10 December | 10am | Last day : Tree of Hope exhibition | New Art Gallery Walsall, Gallery Square, Walsall WS2 8LG |
Ends
Notes to editors:
About the Safer Walsall Partnership (SWP)
The Safer Walsall Partnership is the responsible authority for setting and delivering community safety priorities in Walsall. The partnership includes organisations such as: West Midlands Police, Walsall Council, West Midlands Fire Service, the NHS, Public Health and Walsall Housing Group (whg).
The partnership’s plan sets out a bold vision for maintaining and improving community safety in Walsall.
Through listening to and involving communities, the partnership’s aims and priorities are as follows:
Aims
- Creating safe, strong and resilient communities
- Keeping people safe from harm
- Reducing offending and preventing reoffending
Priorities
- Violence reduction
- Preventing violent extremism
- Reduce drugs and alcohol misuse
- Reduce serious and organised crime
- Reduce offending and re-offending
