WOMEN who have dealt with unimaginable trauma are fighting back and building themselves a brighter future, thanks to the help of a pioneering community group. GABRIELLE ROWLEY reports

"Every cloud has a silver lining". It is a mantra often whispered when times are tough and people are struggling to see a light at the end of the tunnel. 

The phrase conjures positive thoughts and is intended to bolster spirits and provide hope. 

And that is exactly what is happening at a project run by the Barrow-based group Women’s Community Matters.

It provides a sanctuary for vulnerable women who have endured greater hardship and pain than most people can imagine. 

This year the ladies decided to name their course the Silver Linings project.

After attending courses in modules such as Beautiful Me, Safety and Me and Self-Defence with IJJA Training, the Silver Linings group graduated in March. 

At the graduation ceremony the atmosphere was jubilant. 

Katy Scott, 25, a development worker with Women's Community Matters, said: "Our ethos is all about kindness, compassion and love. When I look around the room and see the ladies, I can barely believe they are the same people I met six months ago and I am so proud and delighted that I have been here to help them with every step. 

"Here at Women's Community Matters we want to reach out to any woman who needs a friend or just somebody to talk to but specifically for women who are survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence or women who have committed crime.

"We integrate offenders with victims and treat everybody the same because it's a fresh start for all the ladies here. There are never any men in the centre, apart from the odd exception like Richard Rhodes, the Cumbria Crime Commissioner and all the ladies trust him."

Women's Community Matters has now seen three groups of women graduate from its courses and many have gone on to volunteer themselves, to try and help other women who may be suffering. 

As the March 2016 graduates were awarded their certificates and their own personal journey videos were screened, families and guests were moved to tears by the sheer bravery displayed by these women. 

They were able to come together and find that with the right support and the tender friendship and guidance provided by Miss Scott and her colleagues they could expect to live normal, happy lives again. 

March 2016 Silver Linings graduate Sam Exley said: "As a victim of sexual assault I couldn't leave the house for years. 

"I was petrified to go outside, scared that I might see the man who hurt me and paranoid that the world would see me and know what had happened. 

"But here, I felt safe. I made friends, got stronger and gradually pulled back the confidence I needed to rebuild my life. My ambition now is to start up my own business again and make my children proud of me."

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