Over the years, we have run empowerment-focussed Personal Safety courses for a variety of female-only groups including female running groups, Women’s Guild, female rugby groups, female university students, etc.
Our course generally lasts between 6-8hrs (depending on interactions and feedback) and is split into theory and practical sessions.
The theory side covers the Law regarding Self Defence, Reasonable Use of Force, Warning Signs and Danger Signs (so you can recognise when an attacker is about to attack before it happens), Voice Control, Defensive Stance, the T-Zone (so you know where to effectively strike an attacker), Improvised Weapons, and various scenarios such as what to do if your being followed.
The practical self defence side covers breakaway techniques from a wrist grab and clothing grab, escape from a strangle hold, how to defend against a frontal attacker and a back attack, and defence against a ground attack (both a physical assault and, if required, a sexual assault).
Although the day flies by, some groups need a shorter course. To accommodate this, we have to miss out elements of our training. A 3hr course will be mainly theory with a small amount of self defence, a 4hr course will offer slightly more self defence, but the best course would be a 6hr or 8hr session. This will give plenty of time for questions and advice, as well as all the self defence techniques and all the theory side – and, if you book 8hrs, you will have time for a padded instructor to “attack” you, putting everything you’ve learned into practice.
Some comments about our course include:
Garscube Harriers based in North-West of Glasgow: “Empowering, illuminating and heartily recommended.”
Roystonhill Community Hub: “This course can be used by all age groups and include people with disabilities. I have previously worked with the residents of Shetland down to parts of England and often been invited to community facilities to take part in courses. This course was perfect. It exceeded all my expectations and I was really impressed with the trainers. It was also helpful to have the Law explained in relation to being attacked and I have already recommended this course to others.”
Aberfoyle female runners: “I wanted to learn practical and logical ways to defend myself from sudden attack or unwanted attention, and I did. All the trainers, but especially Alan, were supportive, kind and easy to follow. The methods were sensible and practical. They made sense and were appropriate to the scenarios. I came away feeling less fearful and helpless. I’d definitely recommend this course to others.”
This was the first empowerment focussed, trauma-informed, Personal Safety course we developed back in 1997. Having initially run courses for female survivors of rape / sexual assault in London alongside officers from Metropolitan Police, we then moved to the Scottish Highlands and worked with local police officers to offer our courses to various Women’s Aid groups, Rape Crisis centres and Domestic Abuse services.
Throughout the years, and especially since moving to our Barony St John Centre in Ardrossan, North Ayrshire, we have successfully trained team members and service users from the majority of Women’s Aid Centres in Scotland plus Domestic Abuse services, ASSIST, Break the Silence and Rape Crisis / Star groups.
Please see some of their positive feedback below.
Dundee Women’s Aid:
“Yesterday I went out alone for the first time in I don’t know how long and felt safe. I can’t tell you how valuable this training has been.”
“I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who feels unable to protect themselves. Even people who don’t have as many reasons as I do to feel unsafe. This course is empowering for people and everyone deserves to feel that way.”
Glasgow Women’s Aid:
“I have been on training previously having lone worked in an addiction service and homelessness. However, this training made me feel more confident in dealing with any incidents. Previous training was nowhere near as good. It was very professionally run. It was realistic. And it has given me more confidence in my ability to defend myself. I think any organisations employing women should run this course.”
Fife Women’s Aid:
“This course was excellent.“
““I enjoyed learning about the law and the use of language to assist us to make appropriate choices to enable us to follow the process required by law. This will assist us in our work with women. It was good to get the practical skills and I particularly thought it was great getting the dual perspective of a male trained with a military background but also having women who have experienced their own traumas advocating for the training and able to show how useful it has been in terms of their practical skill set but also in boosting self-confidence and self-esteem. I’m really keen to see if we can roll this training out to the women that we support as I think this will have real benefit for many of them in the process of recovery.”
“I think this course could empower some of the women that I support and give them confidence that they would be able to spot warning signs and God forbid, ward off an attack in the future.”
Orkney Women’s Aid:
“Brilliant course. Never experienced one delivered in this way and it was great. Felt really personal and friendly whilst teaching really tough topics. The trainers were great, they got you involved and it felt like everyone was at ease. There was no judgement, only honesty and some really good things learnt. This should be taught to all women as mandatory!”
“I started this course a victim of abuse and finished it a survivor well able to protect myself mentally and physically. When I say that my whole outlook has changed, I don’t say that lightly. I am in a wheelchair and have always seen myself as the most vulnerable person in a room. Well not anymore! The trainers adapted techniques for me to use even while upside down in my chair, as if I was being attacked. I did all the moves with confidence. A total life changer.”
“It was even better than I expected it would be. The talking bit at the beginning about the law, I expected to be dry and boring but it was actually fascinating and so useful. It was all so good! All the stories and anecdotes really helped me remember everything and made it engaging and relevant. The volunteers were just amazing people and especially the two women who had experienced domestic violence. To be able to act out those scenarios and teach the self-defence they wish they’d known, showed incredible strength. Inspiring women!”
“I wasn’t sure what to expect but I didn’t expect to feel as empowered and confident as I did by the end.”
Shetland Women’s Aid:
“This course was excellent.“
“I knew quite a bit about self defence and was surprised that I learnt a lot more. I came away feeling more confident in my ability to defend myself. The trainers were very clear about where things stood within the eyes of the law which I hadn’t previously considered.”
“I feel more confident and equipped to respond to possible threats to my safety. You made the day so informative and enjoyable, which I wasn’t expecting. Thank you.”
Perthshire Women’s Aid:
“For the time we had available (a half-day taster session), we gained a lot of new practical knowledge as well as new general safety awareness. This training is invaluable to build confidence in our abilities in escaping potentially harmful situations. What I liked most about the course was the enthusiastic and knowledgeable trainers, who were very aware of the limitations around supports needed to deliver training to a women’s group. Overall, a very useful and practical course that contained plenty of space for discussion and Q&As. We would thoroughly recommend this training to others and we are planning to re-schedule an all-day training course for all our staff later this year.”
Wigtownshire Women’s Aid:
“The whole course in general was just fantastic and I would recommend it to everyone.”
“I would now rate my confidence and self defence & abilities as excellent. I was pleasantly surprised by this course as I didn’t know what to expect. The trainers put you at ease and were very knowledgeable.”
Glasgow East Women’s Aid:
“Alan and his team on the day were professional and appropriate and the training gave me valuable advice on how to keep myself safe. If there was anything I didn’t grasp it was explained and practised to better my skills. What I also liked about the course was how Alan had knowledge of the services he was delivering the training to. He reminded us of how our service users may have flashbacks when we share with them some of the safety tips. Also, I found it very useful being able to practice these new skills, and the team were very patient with us all, working with us until we were comfortable with the stances etc. I am so glad there are people like Alan and his team of volunteers who help promote personal safety to charitable organisations who can then share this information with service users.”
South Lanarkshire Women’s Aid and Refuge:
“The training delivered by The Scottish Centre for Personal Safety was of an excellent standard and staff were supported throughout the sessions with sensitivity and understanding. Every member of my staff took part in the training and the evaluations were extremely positive. Many of them stated, “This was the best training you have ever sent me on – Fantastic.” I would recommend these confidence building courses to anyone.”
ASSIST:
“The course was excellent, I couldn’t rate the trainers highly enough!
It was a great day and my staff are empowered and buzzing!”
East & Midlothian Women’s Aid:
“I gained much more than expected. Never did I think, or have ever heard about, these moves to use as self defence. I liked all of the course, especially the stories from the two female survivors. This is real life – and they told it in a great way. It was so touching and moving. Great success stories. The fact that you had two females with real life experiences was a great combination.”
North Ayrshire Women’s Aid:
“I would highly recommend this course to all.”
Edinburgh and Shakti Women’s Aid:
“I’m still under the influence of the workshop we had yesterday. Thank you and your colleagues for having us. I was impressed by all of your sincere efforts to explain and show how to keep ourselves safe without waiting to be fit or physically strong. I can see that most of it depends on changing our mindset and learning some moves. I’d like to learn and practice more.”
“A massive thank you for what you taught me on the 8th of February in Edinburgh. I’m still aware of the dangers about me but I now know I am able to defend myself with my hands, knees & walking stick if needed.
After I left, I felt so empowered & stronger than ever. You have given me my self belief back & I can’t thank you enough.
For the first time in years I’m going out for dinner tonight with a friend. Something I thought I would never do again.
It’s amazing that one day of teaching has changed my life so much & I can’t thank you enough for helping me get my life back.”
Break the Silence:
“A fantastic course. Great feedback.”
Inverness Women’s Aid:
“Feedback from clients on this course was very positive. People reported feeling more confident in their ability to look after their safety and more aware of where potential risks would be for them. The courses were also delivered in such a way that everyone could participate – not an easy task when dealing with victims of violence and years of abuse. Staff reported that the courses appeared to really give the attendees a confidence boost and helped increase their self-esteem.”
Caithness & Sutherland Women’s Aid:
“The personal safety and self defence training we received really had the ‘Wow factor’ and seeing the self-confidence of those taking part soar as the day went on was such a joy. I have no doubt that this training will help our clients overcome their fears and the on-going holistic effects will increase their self-esteem and allow them to re-engage with the community again. I cannot recommend this training enough.”
Ross-shire Women’s Aid:
“I liked that you had women there that had been through domestic abuse and everyone was easy to talk to. It felt very relaxed, you were not forced to do anything and I was comfortable enough to ask questions. The course was so much better than I expected.”
“Such a course is invaluable to our women not only from the practical point of being better able to defend themselves but also from an emotional stand in helping to build self-esteem and confidence.”
For females who have experienced severe trauma, attending even a trauma-informed group training course may feel daunting and could be triggering.
In these cases, we instead offer individual, empowerment-focussed, trauma-informed, training sessions at our Barony St John Centre. This involves the female attending, with or without a friend or team member, alongside two of our volunteer instructors (at least one of whom will be female).
The sessions last 2hrs, once-a-week and through a mix of personal safety advice, guidance, practical self defence training and person-led trauma-informed support, the participant begins to gain more confidence, her anxiety levels decrease and she begins to feel empowered again. This process can take anything from 8–26 weeks, depending on the level of trauma they have experienced.
Please see some of their feedback below.
“I spent 5 years being abused. Physically, mentally, emotionally and sexually. I was beaten, raped, belittled and bullied. I lost friends, lost touch with family and was completely alone with my 4 kids, who witnessed assault after assault.
We upped and fled and I went to the Police.
I was sent to Alan and the team at The Scottish Centre for Personal Safety and I have never looked back.
It was more than just learning to defend myself; my confidence grew and I was no longer looking over my shoulder constantly. There was coffee and chats that were needed to take the weight off my shoulders, as well as learning how to stop myself becoming the victim ever again.
It’s helped me grow in so many ways and I know that I will never again be bullied and used as a punching bag. With the additional Krav Maga classes, my children have also learned how to defend themselves and I have watched their confidence grow too.
I’ll never be able to thank Alan and the team enough for all they have done for me and my children.”
“For the whole of my life, I lived in fear. After leaving the last of many of my abusive relationships, I thought the worst was over, but in many ways, the battle was just beginning.
For over a year, I couldn’t leave the house alone. I was terrified of other people and never felt safe. I felt powerless. I suffered from panic attacks and depression. I didn’t want to live anymore. Then, via Women’s Aid I was referred to The Scottish Centre for Personal Safety for 1:1 Personal Safety and Self-defence training.
I still remember how nervous I was walking into that first session. If it wasn’t for my Support Worker from WA, I’m pretty sure that I would turned around and just run back home, as fast as I could.
Learning how to stay safe and self-defence gave me back something I didn’t even realise I’d lost: my sense of agency. With every session, with Alan’s reassurance and his encouragement, I started to feel stronger; not just physically, but mentally. I learned not only how to defend myself in case of physical attack, but most importantly, how to set boundaries; how to trust myself again; how to carry myself with confidence; how to do everything in my power to never find myself in a dangerous situation in the first place.
It wasn’t just about learning techniques — it was about reclaiming my power. For the first time in my whole life, I walked outside alone without fear. I could breathe again; I could live again without apologising for my existence.
Personal Safety and self defence training didn’t just teach me how to protect myself — it taught me that I’m worth protecting.
I know, that for anyone who has lived through fear, who feels small, helpless, or broken; there is hope. Strength lives inside you, even if it feels buried right now. Personal Safety training and in particular, self defence, helped me find mine. It changed my life. I will never be able to thank Alan and the Team enough for the best gift I have ever received – FREEDOM.”
“I was sexually abused as a child and spent over 40 years suffering from flashbacks, nightmares and feelings of inadequacy. During counselling and training with The Scottish Centre for Personal Safety, I revealed that I was contemplating suicide. Alan and his team got me immediate help with the local Mental Health Team and their Personal training has since increased my confidence. For the first time, I actually beat my attacker in my nightmare and since then I have been free from nightmares and flashbacks. Thank you to everyone at The Scottish Centre for Personal Safety from myself and my children – you have, quite literally, saved and changed our lives.”
“I was sexually abused as a child and I think this is why it felt normal to be abused as an adult. My partner was very controlling – telling me when I could and couldn’t go out, what I could or couldn’t wear. Telling me I looked ugly and no-one else would have me. My self confidence and self-esteem were are at an all time low. I felt all of this was my fault. Alan and his team helped me get over that guilt. The training I received at The Scottish Centre for Personal Safety has helped me realise that I am my own person. I respect myself more now, I have taken charge of my life and I no longer need medication for my depression. I never realised that learning self defence would change how I felt about myself and my life. I cannot thank Alan and his team enough.”
Our Personal Safety for Females courses are known for their empowering, confidence-building outcomes and our individual person-led, trauma-informed sessions are quite literally life-changing.
We are extremely proud to have had these effects recognised when we were awarded the “Empowerment Champions” award at The Scottish Diversity Awards 2019; The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020 for “empowering vulnerable people and saving lives through bespoke Personal Safety training since 1997”; the “Community Organisation – multi-strand” award at The National Diversity Awards 2020; the “Diversity in the Third Sector” award at The Herald & GenAnalytics Diversity Awards 2021; and the ‘Patron‘ category at the UK Excellence Award 2023.
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