A CELEBRATED workshop for mothers and daughters is being held in Ryedale this week.

Award-winning theatre group Next Door But One are bringing their celebrated Power of Women (POW) workshops for girls to Helmsley and Pickering in partnership with Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS).

The free workshops harness the theatre company’s tried and tested empowerment model of activities to create a nurturing, connecting space for mothers and daughters to talk about healthy relationships, rights and expectations.

El Stannage, Next Door But One’s Creative Engagement Manager said Girlguiding released a report at the end of last year showing that a growing number of girls and young women say they are unhappy with the way they look and less positive about life generally, with fear of sexual harassment, conforming to beauty stereotypes and pressure from media as key contributors.

"These feelings and lived experiences ring true for many of the girls and young women we work with, so we’re thrilled to be working with IDAS to bring our POW workshops to communities in North Yorkshire to combat these feelings and instigate positive conversations. POW has been so important in York where we have been working with girls and young women to feel connected, empowered, and confident and it is a joy to be able to now give more people access to this work beyond the city. We hope these Mother-Daughter workshops will open up a creative space for connection, some sparkle, and a way to talk openly together through art, craft, writing and performance techniques."

Carmel Offord, spokesperson for IDAS said: "Healthy relationships education is a way to prevent domestic abuse. In rural areas, research has shown that attitudes and beliefs, and limited access to services can be a barrier to people getting support. We are piloting creative ways to engage with rural communities. We are pleased to be partnering with Next Door But One who are bringing their POW workshops to rural areas to facilitate conversation and connection between mothers and daughters. These funded workshops are free to attend and offer a wonderful creative opportunity to get people talking about relationships, the support available and to ensure the voices of people living rurally are heard."

Girls who have been part of POW before have said: "The energy and generosity was fabulous. I felt listened to and responded to. I definitely want to do more workshops like this."

A parent shared their perspective: "Coming from a domestic violence situation, and still being affected, POW has really helped my daughter to recognise that her voice is important and her opinions and feelings valid."

Next Door But One will be running workshops at Helmsley Town Hall on Monday 15th April and at Pickering Memorial Hall on Tuesday 23rd April (both workshops running from 6pm-8pm). They’re open to female and non-binary identifying parents and children, age 10+. You can find details of how to book at www.nextdoorbutone.co.uk