How self-defence classes are helping young homeless women stay safe on the streets

Strong stance: youth worker Hazz Rees and case worker Kai Neckles at the New Horizon project (Jeremy Selwyn)

Young homeless women are learning self-defence skills for protection on the street.

They are participating in a two-day course run by the New Horizon Youth Centre, one of the members of the Homeless Collective being supported by our charity appeal. The centre in Camden works with young people who are vulnerable or homeless.

The self-defence classes — along with arts and music workshops, and tips on accessing services — are among its best subscribed.

Some of the 18 to 24-year-olds on it have survived domestic violence. Many sleep rough “living out of a bag”, sofa-surf, bed down on night buses or stay awake until a day centre opens because they feel so unsafe.

In the classes, the young women learn situational awareness and, if the worst happens, how to fend off an assailant. The training helps them to resist exploitation, and teaches them how to analyse people’s intentions and be more confident in “saying no”.

The popularity of the classes highlights the dangers many experience, particularly without late-night services for support. The lack of such services in London is a key reason why the Standard is raising money for a 24-hour women’s drop-in centre as part of the appeal.

The charity’s chief executive, Phil Kerry, said: “When young women experiencing homelessness leave the security of our day centre when we close at 4pm, we know that many might face a night on the streets or have to risk staying in an unsafe place.”

New Horizon has another secret weapon — a therapy dog, Topaz, which soothes service users. The golden retriever, supplied by Pets As Therapy, has helped them deal with the trauma of homelessness.

Therapy dog Topaz soothes service users

They are also encouraged to keep journals, to open up about their difficulties. Youth worker Hazz Rees, who runs New Horizon’s Women’s Group and self-defence classes, said: “The theory and practical equips young women to defend themselves, shows them how to get out of situations. It’s basic moves, such as how to get out of neck grabs and what to do if you’re on the floor.”

She added the way women walked could also be important. “Make sure you don’t look lost, even if you are lost.”

One New Horizons client, “Beth”, 22, said the Women’s Group “welcomed her with open arms” after two months on the streets.

She had been sleeping rough around Waterloo, so anxious she stayed awake for days and stole sandwiches due to hunger.

Arriving at New Horizon, after seeing a local newspaper ad, Beth was helped into accommodation, rebuilt her confidence and is off to college.

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