The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund True You Today CIC, which runs workshops for Survivors of domestic abuse. Trust You Today’s Anna HeardinLondon tells us about their work.
“I’m Anna HeardinLondon, a confidence coach, empowerment photographer and circus expert with a drive and passion for social justice. I find creative solutions to help people reclaim their bodies, their energy and their time.
“I have three pioneering projects that focus on empowerment with social justice embedded at their core: as a photographer, HeardinLondon, as a coach in SelfCareSchool.co.uk and as a community organiser with True You Today for Survivors of gendered abuse.
“True You Today was born of the desire to support women and non-binary Survivors of domestic abuse through art, movement and creativity. Our mission to support Survivors to reclaim their bodies has led us to support other groups facing gendered abuse ranging from Survivors of domestic abuse, sexual abuse Survivors, people who have faced human trafficking and people facing homelessness.
“Our programme connects physical and emotional wellbeing. It empowers Survivors to cultivate internal security to rebuild their relationship with their body and to express themselves creatively. It is about reframing physical activity and encouraging people to prioritise their wellbeing, and connecting people to engage in their community by creating supportive local spaces. We aim to build stronger, healthier communities by forging connections to empowered choices through bonds of friendship, opportunity, activities, confidence and, most importantly, hope.
“To this end, we offer a suite of workshops, including dance, mindfulness, circus, coaching and photography, which all focus on physical and mental health, wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem to build trust in themselves and bonds in their local community.
“Our key specialist workshops are: aerial classes to support strength, courage and flexibility; dance classes to improve physical health and social connections; photography to build self-esteem and body confidence; and mindset coaching to support emotional wellbeing and resilience. The programme is designed to support people to incorporate physical activity into their daily life while facilitating learning and connection, supporting their emotional wellbeing.
“We offer workshops for free at a time suitable to participants to make them more accessible. We are aware that, with the cost of living crisis, self-care often gets neglected or has to be cancelled, and we aim to bridge this gap for those that need it most. With generous support from The Arsenal Foundation, we have been able to host a range of creative workshops for Survivors and support staff and volunteers who support them.
“The Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit at London Metropolitan University identified that when Survivors are removed from immediate control of an abuser this is only the first step on the path to healing and wellbeing. Holistic service provision, in addition to short-term risk reduction, is also required.
“Domestic abuse, sexual violence services and homeless shelters have expressed great need and demand for our project. We work alongside Survivors’ support services, Rape Crisis, Nia, Solace and Women and Girls Network, among others, who all refer clients. We also offer sessions to gendered abuse support service staff and volunteers.
“The support we’ve received from The Arsenal Foundation has been invaluable to our participants. It has allowed Survivors of gendered abuse to rebuild confidence, reconnect with their bodies, and find safety and belonging through movement, creativity, and community.
“It’s no secret that football sometimes gets linked with headlines about violence. Research from the National Centre for Domestic Violence shows incidents of domestic abuse rise by 26 per cent when England play, by 38 per cent if they lose, and by 11 per cent the following day – whatever the result.
“But as studies from Harvard and the London School of Economics make clear, it’s not the game itself that causes harm. It’s the culture that can grow around it – one that sometimes normalises excessive drinking, aggression or silence when something isn’t right.
“That’s why it matters so deeply when a club like Arsenal steps forward. Change doesn’t just come from outside criticism – it comes from within communities, from role models who are willing to lead differently. When football shows up for its people – funding grassroots projects, supporting survivors, investing in care instead of conflict – it changes the story for everyone watching.
“To the Arsenal Foundation: thank you for helping us build something safer, stronger, and kinder in the heart of our community.
“If reading this has raised anything for you, or if you’re worried about someone you know, please reach out for support.”
What they say
People who have taken part in the workshops say…
“My heath has improved since joining these workshops, particularly my mental health. I’m able to stop myself from getting in too deep to depression or anxiety; I’m able to do a lot of breathwork when I become overwhelmed from flashbacks or PTSD.”
“Since I escaped the abuse, and have been living in a refuge with my baby daughter, I have felt for a while that the abuse defined my life. To be able to step away from that, to feel like my old self, was incredible. I’d lost touch a lot with the fun, glamorous woman I used to be and the workshop helped me tap back into that incredibly quickly.”
“I don’t know if I have ever felt this before – but I feel like I am in my body.”
If you need help…
Contact one of the following…
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24 hours): 0808 2000 247
Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
Galop (LGBTQIA+ support): 0800 999 5428
Samaritans (for anyone in distress): 116 123
If you are a Survivor who would like to join in the free workshops, you can do so via www.trueyou.today.
Copyright 2026 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.
