Jo’s mission to keep local women safe

The monthly workshops have been lined up to share vital tips on spotting potential threats that need to be kept at bay – such as on nights out.

They are the brainchild of Ilkeston woman Jo Cox, who has a long career in the field of safeguarding. Her niece Hayley Bentley – a mum of four – is helping her with the sessions.

The Saturday workshops are being held at the Cantelupe Centre on Ilkeston Market Place and are open to women aged 18 and over. The next is on 13 September. It will be followed by similar sessions on 11 October, 8 November and 6 December.

Jo said: “The basic theory involves looking at prevention and risk assessment. The workshops are quite unique in looking at ways women can stay clear of difficult situations. We even cover aspects of criminal law.”

She has been running similar classes for three years and successfully applied to the council for a community grant to open up the sessions to as many local women as possible. The free Saturday workshops start at 9:30am and last until noon.

Jo said it was her passion for women’s wellbeing that led her to set up a non-profit organisation called ACE Personal Safety Training. ACE stands for Awareness, Confidence and Empowerment.

The slogan for the classes is “Think safe, be safe, stay safe”. Publicity for them says: “Worried for your safety – or your children’s – when out and about? You are not alone.

“Join other local women for a free personal safety workshop designed to give you confidence, awareness and practical tools to feel safer in your daily life.”

To book a place email acepersonalsafety777@gmail.com. Alternatively call or text Jo on 07729 351620.

Erewash’s Deputy Leader Councillor Becca Everett, who is Lead Member for Community Engagement, said she was hoping to attend the next workshop – adding: “The council is proud to back Jo in her mission to keep women safer.

“We have more of these kinds of ‘fast funding’ grants to give out to community initiatives and voluntary groups – so urge organisations to apply for them. Plus we have just launched what are called Member Grants, which offer even bigger sums. To apply for one of these all that is required is backing from one of our councillors.

Details of all the community grants can be found on the Community Grants page.