Inspirational Chesterfield dance instructor organises 12h dance-a-thon to help victims of domestic abuse - with throwing sponges at local councillor among attractions
“Nobody should ever have to live in fear, intimidation or violence, particularly in the place where they should feel safest – their own home.
An inspirational dance fitness instructor and domestic abuse survivor is organising a 12-hour Chesterfield dance-a-thon to help other domestic abuse survivors.
Mel Evans Worth, 29, a Chesterfield dance fitness instructor is set to run a 12-hour dance-a-thon at Tupton Community Garden this Saturday (November 14).
All donations raised during the event will go towards supporting Women's Aid - a national grassroots organisation supporting women affected by domestic abuse.
Mel, who runs the popular Baseline Burn with Mel dance fitness classes at Tupton Community Hub, said: “I went through domestic abuse eight years ago and I wanted to do something to support women in similar situations for a long time.
“I’m organising the dance-a-thon to spread awareness and help as many people as I can.
“Women's Aid is at the heart of the event as it is an outlet for people who experience domestic abuse to go.
“We will also have Derbyshire Police at the event. They helped me massively when I was going through domestic abuse.
“I would want anyone who is in a similar situation to know this - there are people that you can go and talk to and they can help.”
The event, which is set to run from 9am to 9pm, will see 12 hours of dance shows including performances from Baseline Burn with Mel, Primary Colours Dance Company and Outlaw Stompers Line Dancing, as well as activities for the whole family including face painting and glitter tattoos for the little ones.
Among attractions planned for the day, a number of volunteers, including Ross Shipman, North East Derbyshire Councillor for Tupton ward, will stand in stocks for dance-a-thon goers to throw sponges at them.
Cllr Ross Shipman said: “Domestic abuse is an incredibly serious issue that affects far too many people, often behind closed doors.
“Nobody should ever have to live in fear, intimidation or violence, particularly in the place where they should feel safest – their own home.
“I’d like to thank Mel and everyone involved in organising this event for doing something positive to support victims of domestic violence.
“I hope the local community gets behind this brilliant initiative, whether that’s by taking part, donating or simply helping to raise awareness.”