Local student organises fundraising walk for women’s safety

A local student has organised a twilight walk to raise awareness and funds for women’s safety.

Holly Brennan, a Year 13 pupil at Warminster School, is using her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to take a stand on women’s safety, organising a twilight walk through Warminster to raise awareness and funds for the charity Strut Safe.

“I’ve always believed in using my voice when something doesn’t feel right,” said Holly. “Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person – and that’s exactly what Strut Safe does every single night.

Holly hopes to highlight the wider context of women’s safety. In the UK, two in three women aged 16 to 34 have experienced harassment, while globally, gender-based violence remains prevalent.

“This isn’t men versus women; it’s all of us standing together against violence, ignorance, and apathy,” said Holly. “Safety is a basic human right, and it should matter to everyone.”

Strut Safe is a UK-wide volunteer-run charity that provides a free phone line for anyone, of any gender, walking home alone. Callers are connected to a trained volunteer who stays on the line, offering calm companionship and reassurance until they arrive home safely. The charity says the service is non-judgemental, confidential, and increasingly vital.

Mr Bonnell, Head of House, said, “Many of us are aware from Holly’s recent excellent assembly about the crucial work of Strut Safe. Holly has shown real passion, courage, and leadership in choosing this focus for her EPQ, and she has inspired our community to think more deeply about women’s safety and the role we can all play.”

The walk will take place on Thursday 5th February, starting at Warminster School at 6.30pm, with pupils, staff, families, and members of the local community walking together through Warminster before returning to school for a vigil in remembrance of those who never made it home.

Participants are encouraged to wear denim, a symbol of protest against sexual assault and victim-blaming, inspired by the global Denim Day movement.

The event is open to all, and donations raised will go directly to Strut Safe, supporting their volunteers and expanding their life-saving service.

To register for the walk, visit https://verluciancommunity.co.uk/events/view/twilight-walk

Pictured: Holly Brennan