Free self-defence classes 'improve confidence'
BBCFree self-defence classes funded by police have seen take-up of more than 70 per cent and received a warm welcome from participants.
The sessions in Stourport, Worcestershire, were made available as part of a West Mercia Police initiative to make women and girls feel safer and more empowered after safety concerns were raised.
Runner Jessica Schneider said she had reduced her activity in darker evenings: "I do feel vulnerable at times... but actually this would give me more confidence to be able to go out there."
"The feedback that we've had is that people have found them really useful," said Taekwon-Do instructor Sarah Wilson.
"They've come away with an awareness of how they can keep themselves safe and also a few techniques that they could use, if they did find themselves in danger".
Another participant, Hannah Wooldridge, said: "You can walk down a well-lit street, or you can wear bright colours and you hear so many examples of people doing that and then they still have unfortunate things happen to them.
"There's usually a price barrier for learning these sorts of skills," she added. "I have never done anything to do with physical martial arts or self defence, so a massive improvement from before".
Ms Schneider said: "I enjoy running, but unfortunately it's a summer sport for me... you feel safer when it's light at night."
She added: "All those different skills that we've learnt, we feel that you would be able to put into practice".
Sgt Matthew Ling from the Safer Neighbourhood Team in Wyre Forest said: "Not everyone is a fighter, but as individuals we have the right to protect ourselves and others, so I think having some knowledge around general techniques is positive."
He admitted: "We shouldn't have to protect ourselves, but we don't live in an ideal world".
The remaining sessions will run until the end of December at Areley Kings Village Hall and St Michael's Church Parish Room, both in Stourport.
Registration is free, and places are still available.
