Founded this year, with the ‘belief that no women should suffer in silence, should struggle or feel isolated and therefore Girls Allowed has been created to achieve an uplifting, safe space in which women can feel comfortable, relatable and heard.’ I spoke to founder, Kirsty Hicks about why the group is so important and unique for Bristol.
In the past, club memberships have often kept women away, while it may be changing for some, there are still many barriers. Girls Allowed, provides a unique community funded club for women and by women in the city and is mainly based at the Zion Bristol café.
They also offer Monthly coffee mornings for networking, socialising and making new friends, as well as evening events once a month.
‘offering that extra layer of support’
Kirsty’s previous issues with mental health and domestic abuse and pregnancy complications were some of the driving factors in creating ‘a safe space – relaying and sharing past experiences back to other women – its about offering that extra layer of support’ which may not accessible through the NHS.
Despite the primary role of championing mental health – signposting for domestic abuse, bereavement and pregnancy complications. The focus is on creating an ‘uplifting, magical and positive’ experience where women can ‘be themselves’. The main entertainment of the evening is voted through the Facebook page, and the events also contain, cake sales, a bar, music and raffles. Local businesses can also have a leaflet table, as well as photo props and games, according to the website.
At the moment the group raise its funds through ticketing, raffles and event sales. Kirsty explains that ‘It’s grown really, really quick’ since founding earlier this year, but the results have been worth it – women can relate to each other, giving each other advice and offering life changing experiences.
Being part of a hardworking committee of 8 with diverse experiences, such as someone previously working in family court and another working for Bristol Girls Can has given Girls allowed ‘so many opportunities and directions to grow’. As domestic abuse tends to increase over the Christmas period, they plan to include a domestic abuse coordinator for their Christmas events.
In addition for the advocacy, the group aims to be ‘as inclusive as possible’ – for instance it’s Halloween event allowed those who struggle with childcare to bring their children along too. It’s about ‘giving everyone a chance to be involved in something they’re interested in’. In addition, the group wants to be inclusive towards the LGBT community, transgender women and non-binary friends are also very welcome to come along.
You can find a weblink to the group here and their Facebook page.
Image credit: Girls Allowed Facebook Page.