In Southwark, girls affected by violence, gangs, or exploitation face a crisis of support:
- Nationally, 60,000 girls are vulnerable to serious violence.
- Violent crimes against women and girls have surged 37% since 2018, with over 1 million offences annually.
- In Southwark, home to two high-harm gangs, 50% of serious violence victims under 25 are female—yet most services target boys.
- County lines exploit girls into violence, coercive control, and sexual exploitation.
- CAMHS waiting times reach 18 months, but girls presenting with self-harm, suicidal ideation, and PTSD don’t have 18 months to wait.
Proud To Be Me’s Her Power Her Peace is an 8-month trauma-informed violence prevention programme for 30 girls aged 13–21. On 16 April 2026, they’ll pitch their vision at Black Funding Network’s Spring Funder, with a goal to raise £10,000. Here’s how your support will empower these girls to heal, lead, and thrive.
The Crisis: Violence and Exploitation
- 70% of Proud To Be Me’s girls have witnessed or experienced domestic violence.
- Mixed white and Black Caribbean girls are suspended at nearly double the rate of their peers, with trauma responses criminalised instead of supported.
- Gangs target girls for drug transport, sexual exploitation, and coercive control—yet few programmes address their specific needs.
Proud To Be Me’s Response:
“We provide what these girls are denied: safety, agency, and a path to reclaim their power.”—Proud To Be Me Team
What £10,000 Will Fund (May–December 2026)
Your donation will directly support:
1. 12 Fortnightly Workshops
- Trauma recovery (e.g., understanding PTSD and self-regulation).
- Self-worth and emotional regulation (e.g., combating shame and building confidence).
- Healthy relationships and digital safety (e.g., identifying coercive control and online risks).
- Conflict resolution and creative expression (e.g., art, spoken word, and storytelling).
2. Peace Ambassador Training
- 10–15 girls trained as peer educators, delivering violence prevention workshops in schools and youth clubs.
- Leadership skills development (e.g., public speaking, facilitation).
3. 1-1 Coaching
- 3 sessions per participant, focusing on personalised trauma recovery and goal-setting.
4. Community Showcase
- A public event where girls share their stories through spoken word, art, or music.
- Invitations to policymakers, funders, and media to amplify their voices.
Budget Breakdown:
The Impact: What £10,000 Achieves
Long-Term Outcomes:
- Reduced Exploitation: Girls recognise and avoid coercive situations.
- Improved Mental Health: 91% of past participants reported better emotional regulation.
- Leadership Pipeline: Peer Ambassadors become advocates in their communities.
Why This Matters
- Immediate Safety: Girls learn to identify risks and access support.
- Systemic Change: Peer-led workshops challenge stigma around trauma and violence.
- Future Opportunities: Partnerships with Youth Offending Teams and schools expand referrals and credibility.
Testimonial from a Past Participant:
“Before this programme, I didn’t think I’d live past 18. Now I’m applying to college—and I know I’m worth more than what happened to me.”—Programme Alumna
How You Can Help on 16 April
- Attend the Spring Funder:
- Date: 16 April 2026, 6–9:30 PM
- Location: London (venue TBC)
- What to expect: Hear Proud To Be Me’s pitch live, vote to allocate funds, and meet the girls and team.
- Donate Now:
- £50 covers one girl’s workshop materials for a month.
- £250 funds a 1-1 coaching session + transport.
- £1,000 sponsors Peace Ambassador training for a participant.
- Spread the Word:
- Share Proud To Be Me’s story on social media with #BFNSpringFunder.
- Tag @BlackFundingNetwork and @ProudToBeMe to rally support.
Meet the Team
Proud To Be Me is led by trauma specialists and advocates who center girls’ voices in every programme. Their team includes:
- Therapists with expertise in complex trauma and youth violence.
- Mentors with lived experience of the care system.
- Youth workers who bridge gaps between girls and services.
Call to Action: Join Us on 16 April
Proud To Be Me is £10,000 away from empowering 30 girls to heal, lead, and break cycles of violence. Your presence, your vote, and your donation will help them deliver Her Power Her Peace, build resilience, and create lasting change.
- Book your ticket for the Spring Funder.
- Donate today to kickstart their campaign.
- Follow @ProudToBeMe and share their story with your network.
“These girls deserve more than survival—they deserve to thrive.”—Proud To Be Me Team
Her Power Her Peace isn’t just a programme—it’s a lifeline. By supporting Proud To Be Me, you’re investing in safety, healing, and leadership for girls who’ve been failed by the system. Join us on 16 April to help them hit their £10,000 goal and empower 30 girls to rewrite their futures.