Former University Centre South Devon student welcomes International Women's Day
As International Women’s Day approaches a former University Centre South Devon student, who set up a domestic and sexual abuse charity in Torquay, says as a society we have the responsibility to educate ourselves about the signs of domestic abuse.
Phoenix Rising is a non-profit organisation founded by Claire Knight in 2020, who has spent 10 years as a domestic violence advisor, as well as a senior health coach for the NHS, a BSc Sports Coach and trauma-informed therapist.
“As a society we have the responsibility to educate ourselves and others about the signs of domestic abuse,” said Claire, who studied a Sports Science degree. “To understand that abuse doesn’t just come from partners, but can be family members too, that it isn’t always in the form of physical abuse, that it can also be hidden and secretive – financial, emotional, and control.”
Last year Claire was given a prestigious Honorary Fellowship award by the University Centre for her significant contribution to the College and the community as a whole.
Claire has a strong background of working with South Devon College and the University Centre, both as a student and business partner, having offered placements to College students, some of whom have stayed on as valuable volunteers with Phoenix Rising.
“Receiving the award for Honorary Fellowship was not just a personal milestone for me, it was a recognition of the collective efforts of passionate individuals in our team and the volunteers and students at Phoenix Rising Community Interest Company who believe in the power of giving back and have a passion for helping others.”
Claire was nominated for her dedication to supporting females in need by running courses, art therapy, and 1 to 1 sessions, alongside physical exercise such as boxercise, ice bath therapy, and paddle boarding, empowering those attending to take control of their own lives.
“I hope the exercise will build confidence and trust in others and that when the women finish their course they will find a love of fitness,” said Claire.
The ethos behind Phoenix Rising is to remove some of the taboo nature around domestic abuse and to validate the experiences of those who sometimes suffer in silence. At Phoenix Rising Claire and her team have created safe spaces for conversations, where survivors can share their stories without fear of stigma or judgement, either in person or online.
Next year Claire is planning to develop a course for teenagers around healthy relationships and online safety.
