Magdalene Group's midnight strut marks 30 years 

For nearly three decades, The Magdalene Group has quietly supported the most vulnerable and hidden women and girls in Norwich. An event on June 19 will raise funds and awareness of their important work.

The Magdalene Group works with those affected by the darkest facets of society, victims of abuse, sexual violence, exploitation, coercion, homelessness and trafficking. 

Founded by two visionary female magistrates, affectionately known as 'the two Doreen's,' the organisation has evolved to address the ever-changing landscape of gender-based violence, consistently adapting its services to meet the needs of the clients and committed to making a tangible difference by providing dedicated support, advocacy and services to women and girls who have endured these traumas.  

CEO Suzi Heybourne said, "Our approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, recognising the complex intersectional identities of the women and girls we support. We provide tailored assistance that addresses not just the symptoms, but the root causes of exploitation and abuse. Through our projects, we deliver targeted support that meets the diverse needs of the women and girls who use our services."

Doorway Women's Services Supporting over 100 women each year providing intensive one-on-one sessions addressing complex issues. Exploited women often enter precarious housing situations such as sofa surfing or ‘transactional’/exploitative or abusive relationships in order to have a roof over their heads. These women are less visible and therefore at greater risk and often not accessing services that can help. They become repeat victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence and exploitation. From hidden homeless women to those who experience street homelessness, addiction, debt, mental ill health, stigma and isolation we provide a safe space and build trusted relationships to help them move forward. 

Rose Project: Supporting over 40 young people each year dedicated to preventing child sexual exploitation providing essential support to affected young people. Working with Childrens Services to provide specialist trauma-informed interventions to equip young people with the tools to recognise exploitation and move away from unhealthy relationships.

Jigsaw Education & Training Programmes: Empowering the next generation through early intervention and education. CPD accredited training equips professionals and young people with the skills and knowledge to safeguard vulnerable children and young people and address issues of peer abuse, online safety, consent and healthy relationships.

Suzi said, "As we reflect on our 30th anniversary and journey to date we want to both celebrate our achievements and yet recognise that our work is far from over. Acknowledging this milestone The Magdalene Group is undertaking a sponsored Women’s Midnight Strut. Our journey has been marked by resilience, compassion and unwavering dedication to supporting women and girls who have been affected. The Midnight Strut embodies our commitment to raising awareness, standing in solidarity with victims of violence and taking a stand against all forms of gender-based violence.

"We would love the community to join us in celebrating our achievements of providing dedicated support and safety protecting women and girls from sexual violence, exploitation and abuse by breaking the cycle."

Join the midnight strut

The Midnight Strut will symbolise a collective walk towards a future free from fear, intimidation and exploitation but also as a call to action for the future, for individuals, communities, survivors, bystanders and supporters to join and walk together to prioritise the eradication of violence against women and girls.

We welcome your support through joining us in the above event, or through volunteering your skills, time or financial giving.

Date: Wednesday June 19
Time: 10.30pm Assemble at 10.30pm and return at 12 for a vigil
Location: Millennium Plain, Norwich
Entry: £10
www.magdalenegroup.org/midnight-strut