Movema World Dance charity is delighted to welcome the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Barbara Murray, to their women’s support group, Stronger Together.
The visit will take place during the last class of the year on Thursday the 18th of December from 11am to 12.30 pm at 24 Hope Street, Liverpool.
Stronger Together is a dance-led wellbeing project which aims to create a safe, inclusive space and welcoming social community for vulnerable women* in Liverpool. The weekly class is aimed at improving the mental and physical health of participants from a wide range of backgrounds including people seeking asylum, migrants, and women experiencing mental health challenges. The majority of attendees identify as coming from a lower socio-economic background and Movema ensure the activity is accessible by keeping the classes free and covering travel expenses for those who need it.
Led by local dance artist Sabrina Steele, the session includes an engaging and interactive warmup, a high energy dance routine and a calming cool down. After class participants are offered tea, coffee and fruit, allowing the women attending to socialise and meet people from similar backgrounds which helps them create a support network, build confidence and develop supportive relationships within the group.
The project has been running for 4 years and has been a huge success, with up to 25 women attending on a weekly basis, reaching up to 100 people per year.
One regular attender shared ‘These classes are so good for my mental and physical wellbeing; I have chronic anxiety which causes constant muscle tension and fatigue, but the classes help me get out of bed in the morning and to loosen up and strengthen my connection to my body.’
Another added that they enjoyed the ‘Lovely community vibe with professional and friendly organisers.’
After discussing Movema’s work with Directors Maria Malone and Penny Caffrey, Lord Mayor Barbara Murray expressed a strong interest in visiting a Stronger Together class to see first-hand the impact on women in the community.
Movema Co-Director Maria Malone says, “Stronger Together classes are really popular, and we are hoping to secure funding to continue in future years and to develop similar projects supporting women in our local area”. Stronger Together is currently funded by PH Holt Foundation, John Moores Foundation and People’s Postcode Lottery.
For more information visit www.movema.co.uk contact info@movema.co.uk or call 07548 365 869. Find us on socials @movema.
*Trans women are and will always be welcome in these sessions. The same goes for non-binary, gender fluid and gender queer people who feel included by the term women.