I've raised £600 to help fund Gather Cornwall a CIC based in Penryn that helps people collectively navigate sexual trauma
Organised by Naomi Mather
Story
Hokey Cokey Swim Run September 2021
After completing the Hokey Cokey Swim Run in May of 2018 Lucy and I couldn't wait to do the next one! Our aim is to just FINISH after one hell of a year.
What is a swim run?! Find out more here https://www.madhattersportsevents.co.uk/st-austell-bay We will be swimming about 5.2km in the sea and running 13.8km. The Hokey Cokey is considered to be Cornwalls toughest multi-sport event but Lucy and I love a challenge!
UPDATE / EDIT: I will now be doing the event on my own. Due to not having a partner I have to do the Short Course which is now only 2.5km swimming and 7.8km of running!
Fundraising
I haven't really done anything like this before but I am really hoping to raise money while we train for a CIC based in Cornwall that has really impacted my life in a positive way. Gather is a peer support group for people that have been affected by sexual trauma. I feel that there should be more services and support available like this! I want to help other people on their journey to heal from this trauma, as gather really helped me.
The first time I was sexually assaulted I was 16 years old and I carried that with me for a very long time. It had a large impact on my life choices, my behaviour and mental health that I couldn't see until I had support from people that also understood. Sharing with other people at Gather helped me see that I was not alone in this.
More about Gather
gather is a community organisation that supports people affected by sexual trauma. a place to connect, raise awareness and break down the isolation of shame and secrecy, through accessible peer support.
gather creates space for survivors to connect with others who understand the challenges of navigating life after sexual trauma, and build lasting support networks within their own community.
gather provides peer support that is facilitated by members of its own community. we are not a registered/professional counselling service but rather a group of people sharing and collectively processing our experiences in a safe and nurturing environment.
they hold fortnightly peer support gatherings and trauma informed yoga classes in penryn, cornwall.
gather is currently funded solely by donations and works to provide a bespoke service at a minimal cost. It is important that our services are accessible and so all of our support groups are free to attend. This means that we are reliant on the generosity of those who are able to give. Every penny or pound helps us to support survivors of sexual trauma and grow our organisation to reach and connect more people.
