Winchester’s female entrepreneur network has rallied behind a groundbreaking wellness initiative aimed at helping domestic abuse survivors reclaim their lives. The Afterglow Assembly, a three-week somatic recovery programme developed with Trinity Women’s Services, will launch this summer at a private sanctuary in Hampshire. The programme targets women who have escaped abusive situations but continue to grapple with deep-seated trauma stored in the body. Susanna Edwards, director of The School of Creative Wellness and programme architect, said the initiative moves beyond traditional therapy to address physical and neurological impacts of trauma.
At Friday’s Maven Mixer in Winchester, Edwards outlined how The Afterglow Assembly blends forest bathing, trauma-informed yoga, breathwork, and plant-based nutrition to calm the nervous system and restore gut-brain health. Survivors often face hypervigilance, chronic exhaustion, and difficulty coping with daily tasks long after leaving abusive environments. The programme’s holistic approach aims to rewire these responses by integrating somatic therapies that help release trauma trapped in muscle and nerve pathways.
Key Points
- ⚡ Three-week somatic recovery programme launching this summer in Hampshire
- 💡 Designed for eight domestic abuse survivors with deep-seated trauma
- ✅ Combines forest therapy, yoga, breathwork, and nutrition to restore nervous system health
Natalie Hamer, founder of Maven, called the project “vital” and praised the local business community’s early support. “This isn’t just another charity drive—it’s an investment in women rebuilding their lives after crisis,” Hamer said. “We’re proud to back Susanna’s vision and help close the funding gap.” The Maven community has already contributed £1,100 of the £2,000 needed to launch the first cohort, with support from private donors and local entrepreneurs like Katie Evans of Good Evans Kitchen.
| Funding Tier | Coverage | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full Programme Sponsor | Entire three-week programme for eight women | £2,000 |
| Weekly Sponsor | One week of the programme | £670 |
| Participant Sponsor | Support for one survivor | £250 |
The School of Creative Wellness is now inviting Winchester businesses to become ‘Resilience Partners’ and help bridge the remaining funding shortfall. Organisers have set up a tiered sponsorship model to accommodate businesses of all sizes, from micro-donations to full programme funding. Edwards stressed that trauma recovery requires more than emotional support—it demands somatic intervention to heal the body’s stored responses. “This isn’t about talking; it’s about rewiring,” she said. “And that requires both expertise and investment.”
💡 Pro Tip
Businesses considering sponsorship should note that trauma-informed programmes like this one yield measurable ROI in community resilience and long-term healthcare savings—making such investments not just charitable, but strategically sound.
Survivors interested in joining the first cohort can apply through The School of Creative Wellness website. Organisers aim to finalise participant selection by late May, ensuring each woman receives personalised somatic support. The programme’s private sanctuary location will remain undisclosed to protect participants’ privacy and safety. Fundraising continues through direct donations and corporate partnerships, with a goal of reaching the £2,000 target by April 30.
📋 By The Numbers
- 8 — Maximum participants per cohort
- 3 — Weeks of intensive somatic recovery therapies
- 20 — Average years survivors spend coping with trauma before seeking somatic intervention
Edwards and Hamer are set to announce further corporate sponsors at the upcoming Hampshire Chamber of Commerce breakfast on April 12. The event will highlight how local businesses can align with the project’s mission while fulfilling corporate social responsibility goals. “This is about more than charity,” Edwards said. “It’s about rebuilding lives—and that starts with healing the body.”
