Women’s self defence classes have been set up in Birkenhead park courtesy of an injection of funds for the Wirral Council through the Police Crime Commission.
Fiona Hanik, a health development officer for the council, has set up Martial Arts style training for women in partnership with Nine Dragons Martial Arts Club.
So far, two sessions have taken place at the park with sixteen free places on offer per monthly session which were filled quickly, displaying a demand for the classes.
The classes aren’t the only benefit that has come out of the Police Crime Commission funding.
Hanik said: ”It was an initiative through the Suzy Lamplugh trust which was a lady that went missing in 1986.
“They had put together some women’s safety advice such as when walking through a park that people are informed where the nearest exit is.
“So, what we’re doing is re-designing the park maps to show where the nearest exit is.’’
Classes are instructed by Nine Dragons Martial Arts Club Director Danny Martin who’s run the Rock Ferry-based club for over 18 months.
Following the council’s approach to Martin, he felt it was an opportunity that Nine Dragons couldn’t turn down.
He said: ”To be able to empower people and to help people feel safe.
“The class is all about making people feel like they’re a better version of themselves.
“Obviously, we can’t give that level of empowerment within a one-hour session but if nothing else, it’s giving them the introduction to look at martial arts club.’’
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