Free self-defence classes for women and girls

Free self defence classes for women and girls over 16 will be held in November and December

A series of free self-defence sessions for women and girls aged 16 and over are to be offered in Worcestershire, West Mercia Police has announced.

The five classes will be offered throughout November and December at the Areley Kings Village Hall and St Michael's Church Parish Room, both in Stourport.

Sgt Matthew Ling said the initiative was in response to concerns raised by residents.

He said: "By providing practical tools and confidence-building support, we aim to help women and girls feel safer and more empowered in their daily lives."

He added: "It also reflects our commitment to proactive policing and strengthening trust within our community."

The classes will be led by Kai Wilson, an internationally certified ITF Taekwon-Do instructor.

He said: "It's an honour to be part of this initiative.

"These sessions are about more than just physical techniques - they're about empowering women to feel confident, aware, and in control of their personal safety."

The sessions at Areley Kings Village Hall will run between 14:45 and 16:15 GMT on 19 November, 3 December and 17 December.

At St Michael's Church Parish Room, the sessions will run on 26 November and 10 December from 17:45 until 19:15 GMT.

Each session will accommodate 20 participants, with 100 women and girls expected to benefit from the programme.

Registration is free, and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.