Art provides an outlet when words fail.

We need your help to develop an art club for Survivors of sexual violence & child abuse.

Studies show that art helps us process traumatic events. Creative mediums like drawing, painting, colouring, and sculpture have been proven to help with recovery.

Why are we fundraising?

Savana needs to raise money to buy art supplies & materials and to work with local art & wellbeing professionals to run a series of workshops and art clubs with the view to create an exhibit with the pieces in a local art space to raise awareness of the prevalence of sexual violence within our local area.

Research shows that engaging in the arts, social activities and interaction within our communities can help with major
challenges, such as ageing and loneliness. It can help to boost confidence and make us feel more engaged and resilient. Besides these benefits, art engagement also alleviates anxiety, depression and stress.

Savana believe that an art club within our local area for survivors will give people a creative outlet as well as a sense of community and belonging. We want to be able to provide this free of charge to service users and survivors.

How will your donations be used?

All money donated to this project will help fund art supplies for our craft sessions, and for materials used to collaborate with local artists and galleries to install an art exhibition to be displayed in 2023.

About Savana

As the leading experts around sexual violence and abuse in North Staffordshire. Savana provide help and support for anyone, from the age of 4 and upwards who have experienced any form of sexual violence whether recently or in the past. This includes rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, 'honour' related violence and childhood sexual abuse.

Alongside providing help and support, Savana are dedicated to
delivering education around sexual violence including the psychological, physical and practical impacts faced by survivors.

The origin of Savana can be found in a local pilot project set up to raise the aspirations of women in Chell Heath. The emphasis was to encourage women back into education and employment.

However, the workers quickly found themselves overwhelmed listening to women's stories of sexual abuse and violence, the need was recognised and a Rape Crisis service was set up.

The organisation now known as Savana has been on a
roller-coaster journey, expanding and implementing a more efficient, responsive and personalised service, enabling us to continue providing face to face counselling, Independent Sexual Violence Advice (ISVA), training and digital youth support service Talk to SAL, alongside promoting self-help, self-care and prevention.