People and communities
Tree of Hope in Walsall signifies unity and stands up to violence against women and girls
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A ‘Tree of Hope’ has been unveiled at the New Art Gallery in Walsall town centre this week.
The tree is decorated with colourful, decorative flowers which have been handmade by local women and community groups in the borough.
The display has been unveiled to signify unity and standing up to violence against women and girls.
Smaller versions of the Tree of Hope will be displayed in the council’s libraries, for people to add decorative flowers should they wish to participate.
“ It’s great to see the artistic contributions our communities are making to raise awareness of violence against women and girls.
If you visit the trees, you will see that many of the flowers include positive affirmations for women to stand together against gender-based violence.
There is of course, a pivotal role for men too, and we should all be supportive allies to women and girls and challenge any harmful attitudes or behaviours we see in our day-to-day-lives. “
The trees have been displayed during the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, a time internationally recognised. 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.
The tree will remain on display until 10 December 2024.
A summary of local events during the 16 Days of Activism.
| Date | Time | Event | Location |
| 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
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
