The team has created a Tree of Action, an interactive artwork that invites anyone visiting or working with GDASS to write a personal pledge on a leaf and place it on the tree. The aim is simple: encourage ongoing reflection, commitment, and awareness around domestic abuse.
To help bring the tree to life, we held an Art for Action session on Thursday, 4th December. Fifteen clients currently supported by GDASS took part, creating thoughtful and powerful pieces that will form part of the wider display.
Funding for the Tree of Action and the craft workshop came from a successful £250 bid to Green Square Accord's internal micro-project fund. This fund enables colleagues to deliver small, community-focused projects that support wellbeing, connection, and positive engagement.
The Tree of Action has also travelled across Gloucestershire. It has been displayed at Forest of Dean District Council, The Nelson Trust Women’s Centre, and other partner organisations. The final stop was at Shire Hall for the launch of the Gloucestershire Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy on Monday, 8 December, where the tree and client artwork were showcased publicly.
Elaine, a Support Worker at GDASS who has led the project, said:
“This is one of several awareness initiatives we are delivering during the 16 Days of Action. We are proud to provide a platform for people who have felt silenced or powerless because of abuse. Their reflections and pledges are a powerful reminder that speaking out matters.”
After the campaign ends, clients and colleagues will be given their leaves and artwork to keep as a personal reminder of their voice, their strength, and the collective commitment to ending domestic abuse.
The 16 Days of Action campaign runs from 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, International Human Rights Day.
