The Phoenix Project is a three-year project which provides a drama and creative-based programme for female survivors of domestic abuse in Wolverhampton. It focuses on helping them move past their traumatic experiences increasing their well-being (mental health), break the cycle of abuse and build skills of self-esteem and confidence allowing them to reengage in society and move forward with their lives. The project also provides specialist training for local creative practitioners to upskill and be able to work with participants with multiple and complex needs.

In the West Midlands, West Midlands Police recorded 52,363 incidents of domestic abuse and violence in the year to March 2017 , giving an indication to the extent of the problem. However, it has previously shown that only 4 in 10 crimes are reported to the police.

Abusive partners have broken down their self-esteem and self-worth, they have been manipulated and coerced and abusive tactics, such as gaslighting, can even make a person question their own thoughts or understanding of reality.

The women who participate in The Phoenix Project have therefore survived traumatic experiences. The matters are complex and escaping the relationship has not been easy.

A pilot of The Phoenix Project ran in March 2018 in a safe environment for six days. The pilot was run in partnership with Birmingham-based Geese Theatre Company and The Haven Wolverhampton, with Geese facilitating the workshops and The Haven sourcing the participants. The University of Wolverhampton conducted research through and an evaluation after the project.

The sessions used a variety of drama techniques including masks and freeze framing to explore familiar situations affecting a character that participants may be facing themselves. By identifying the issues faced by the character and suggesting solutions, the participants could recognise their own barriers and how similar approaches could be taken in their own lives.

Key findings included:

83% of participants moved from low mental wellbeing into moderate mental wellbeing category with fewer women (17%) remaining in the low mental wellbeing category.

100% of the participants reported that the use of theatre and drama made the project more memorable.

87.5% thought that the greatest impact of the project was encouraging participants to make changes in their life.

75% of the women believed they have learnt new skills which they can use

The Phoenix Project is ambitious and has a fantastic potential to improve people's lives. However, we need your help to raise funds so that we can run the three-year project.

We thank you for and appreciate any support you are able to offer.