Sophie Mei | 
06 14th, 2010| 
Captivating the soul of survivors
According to a news report on BBC One presented in 12 November 2007, there were 85,000 women raped in the UK in the previous year, equating to about 230 cases every day. According to that report one of every 200 women in the UK was raped in 2006. On average 1 in 6 women will be victims of sexual assault in their lifetimes.
Rape and sexual assault is just one of the many issues that can affect women in their lives. Daily factors, influences and crime can have an unimaginable effect on people and often trap them into a vicious cycle of crime, violence and self-destruction.
Many of us have experienced the unthinkable, risked our lives for the sake of others and often are just very angry at what life has thrown of us.
So what happens when self-harm turns into addiction – how do victims become survivors? Is there a way out?
The answer is no easy one but the long one is yes. It takes time and support but yes.
City Hearts is a charity that helps survivors overcome serious life issues such as drug addiction, self-harm and trafficking. It is a residential programme for girls over the age of 18 years old and is also connected to Hope City Church.
They not only help these women but they empower them providing them wth the tools and positive coping mechanisms so the women can have prosperous lives.
They deliver a multiplatform service of drama workshops, life skill sessions as well as counselling and social groups.
CASE STUDY 1
Name: “Amyâ€
Age: 24
Story: Amy dated a drug dealer whih opened up her eyes to the world of sex workers and trafficking (she knew murdered Bradford Sex worker – Suzanne Rushwrth). She developed a heroine addiction, which she would pay for by shop-lifting and taking drugs from her circle of friends. City Hearts helped her out of the viscious cycle by giving her 24 hour support and an empathetic ear. Amy is now “glad that there’s a safe place†away from her past life and is now looking at building a positive future.
CASE STUDY 2
Name: “Poâ€
Age: 29
Story: Po has a history of Bulimia and self-harm which stemmed from her violent upbringing as she was sexually abused by a family member who trapped her into a ring of violence. Her coping mechanisms such as self-harm became so prevalent in her life to the point she couldn’t walk past a man without self-harming.
After years of ‘coping’ with things on her own she finally sought the help of City Hearts who provided Po with professional counselling to help her “deal with things from childhood†as well as a variety of other support services.
She now is a true survivor and works in schools and the community through City Hearts’ ‘Leadership Academy’ talking about her own experiences and showing oteher people that there is hope. She now has put positive coping mechanisms in place to deal with life issues and would go as far as saying that City Hearts has “given me a reason to be alive as well as saving my life.â€
CASE STUDY 3
Name: “Victoriaâ€
Age: 26
Story: Victoria has always been “the life and soul of the party†but her veneer hides a difficult past.
She grew up always seeking for a father figure in her life and struggled with her self-esteem. She sought men to provide her with the affection and attention she craved. Until she met the man of her dreams, at least she thought she did.
When she moved in with her long-term boyfriend things quickly spiralled out -of -control. He locked her in the apartment forcing her not to eat unless he was around. This then lead her into a cycle of bulimia and depression as she relied on her boyfriend for food and freedom.
Eventually she left her boyfriend and found “acceptance through City Hearts†and let go of her suicidal thoughts. She now works at one of City Hearts’ residential homes helping other people “see their way out†of compromising situations.
All these ladies have broken barriers surrounding them with stigma and addiction but prove that the right support can eventually give people hope and a way to manage the issues they may face. These women are true survivors, role models and most of all prove that empowerment can be achieved against the odds.
Support the charity and its survivors at:
Captivating – the Heart of Fashion show
Date: 
19 June, 2010 at 7:30 pm Book now
Venue:
Sheffield City Hall
Price: 
Before 28th February – £10.00, From 1st March – £12.00
City Hearts is linking up with marketing and events company Bravura, to stage ‘Captivating – the Heart of Fashion’, in association with Sheffield City Hall, on Saturday 19 June.
A Sheffield charity which helps women overcome serious life issues is moving into top gear!
Glitz, glamour, and fashion fun will be bursting at the seams, with a major catwalk show offering the chance to sample a Saturday night out with a difference! With a range of fashions from high street to boutique including M&S, John Lewis, Yes Orange, Miss Sienna (Holly Willoughby wears their designs!) for all ages, and a special treat from our home grown talents from the design students at Sheffield Hallam University. The night has an abundance of talent and headline act Sophie Mei are amongst the line up.
All funds generated will be going to City Hearts is a residential programme for women overcoming serious life issues such as drug and alcohol addictions, self harm, unplanned pregnancies, depression and eating disorders. The project also provides a refuge for women coming out of prostitution and exploitation. Help us change lives.
Siobhan Bullock, director of City Hearts, said: “We hosted ‘Captivating’ in-house at The Megacentre last year, and it was such a success that we had a vision to make it bigger and better.
“We’re so excited for the event to be held at Sheffield City Hall and are grateful for their support. City Hearts is a brilliant charity which can sometimes be overlooked by some of the city’s bigger charities. But by holding it in the Oval Hall we have the capacity to get our name out there to a bigger audience, while putting on a fab event! Fashionistas shouldn’t miss it!â€
