Dramatic shift for a start-up in domestic violence awareness raising

A published writer and her sister with over 13 years of assisting police in supporting domestic violence wanted to commercialise their idea of raising awareness of domestic abuse in the community. The plan was to stage shows and films on the subject, but the pair needed business guidance to manage fundraising, setting up their company “Safeword Theatre and Film Production Ltd”, marketing, promotion and engagement with the relevant agencies and communities.

Bridging the Gap at Brunel stepped in to help the newly set up company with a wide range of business guidance and support, as well as using their local networks to springboard the start-up into its successful launch.  Further funding options have been explored to ensure the company could sustainably operate into the future and expand its offer. 

• Successful funding from Tesco to enable re-staging of their first play “Waking up dead”.
• Successful sponsorship from local businesses to stage the production
• Patronage of Stephen Hammond MP 
• Successful lottery funding of £10,000 to purchase lighting and sound equipment and stage their play “When the Birds stopped singing”.
• Working with the local library to make the stage their home stage.
• Securing free rehearsal space at Metro bank for as long as needed.
• Gaining the interest of Asst Chief Constable of Cheshire Police who is the National Police Lead in Hate Crime and LGBT