29 October 2024
Throughout Black History Month, we've been celebrating Change Makers from church communities across our Diocese.
Phillis Njuguna of St John's Church Epping has been nominated as a changemaker for her work setting up and running several “Thrive” groups that support survivors of domestic abuse across Essex.
Gail Hughes, Licensed Lay Minister at Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore, explains why she nominated Phillis:
"Survivors are supported by Phillis and her team who hold space, actively listen, provide domestic abuse awareness, refer women and their children to appropriate local support services and hold monthly wellness sessions which explore trauma-informed mindfulness techniques and grounding exercises.
"Sessions encourage conversation and peer support. When women connect with others with similar experiences they are able to support and empower each other in recovery and reduce isolation.
"Phillis facilitates the groups, shares her faith and equips survivors with tools to embark on new post-abuse lives in a mutually supportive environment.
"Phillis is an Ordinand in Chelmsford Diocese and received the Citizen of the year award 2024 from Epping Forest District council. She’s real changemaker!"
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