Sheffield abuse survivor to host charity black tie celebration

A woman who experienced abuse as a child is calling for people to buy tickets for a charity celebration and support those who don't have the money to attend.
Ursula and Jean (left) who are organising a survivor's ball for those affected by domestic abuse.  Picture Scott MerryleesUrsula and Jean (left) who are organising a survivor's ball for those affected by domestic abuse.  Picture Scott Merrylees
Ursula and Jean (left) who are organising a survivor's ball for those affected by domestic abuse. Picture Scott Merrylees

Ursula Myrie has co-organised the one-night only charity celebration to uplift people who have been abused and give them a newfound confidence to carry on.

There will be live music, dancers and testimonies from survivors at the black tie event which is being held at the Crown Plaza Royal on July 4.

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The 47-year-old is also the managing director of Adira, a black women's support group and one of the charities behind the ball which hopes to honour survivors for their strength.

"I came up with the idea because I am the parent that has stood over my child with a knife, trying to decide which one of my children I was going to kill first before killing myself, simply because that was all I have known from my childhood.

"For me, to not follow through with those thoughts, it came at a cost, I had a mental breakdown or I would harm myself rather than harming the children.

"I realised that over the years and with society in general, you hear about the perpetrators, you never hear about the survivors who don't go on to abuse their children, who broke the cycle - you never hear about the cycle breakers."

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She reflects on her domestic abuse experience in her work, using it to help other people recognise warning signs and break down barriers around taboo topics such as mental health and suicide.

Women's empowerment organisation, Gincigaz, which provide life coaching to people in need, is jointly hosting the event which they hope businesses will sponsor.

Jean Gincigaz, 37, who runs the charity, said: "We all need to work together in order to change things and raise awareness about mental health and coming through it.

"But we can’t do things like this and put on events that bring people together unless we have the support of the community and resources available to us."

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Organisers are encouraging the public to donate the cost of a ticket so that those in need who aren't able to afford to come, can still benefit from the celebration.

"We all know somebody who has been through something who has survived abuse - it is a good cause and it is something that has never been done before in Sheffield.", Ursula added.

"We need to focus on the good and teach the younger generation to pay it forward and give back."

People who have experienced abuse are being urged to attend a casting call and put themselves forward as a model for the evening's fashion show to improve their self esteem.

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"When they do come out of abuse, they spend years trying to build their confidence back up, their self esteem back up, trying to remember who they were before - they don't realise that they are brilliant, they have come through abuse and they have survived it.

"A lot of these people have never dressed up, never put on a suit and tie, never had their hair and make up done, so just for one night we want to make them feel good, make them feel special."

Ticket prices start from £49.50 and includes a three course meal alongside a complimentary welcome drink on arrival.

You can book your place via www.ticketor.com/gincigaz.

Those who opt for the VIP package will receive a complimentary mental health coaching session.

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Businesses looking to sponsor the event, can message Jean Gincigaz at [email protected].

For more information about the event, fashion show and to donate tickets, contact Ursula Myrie via email at [email protected] or phone 07761925938.

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