![](https://www.survivorsuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/EEP1.jpg)
SurvivorsUK partner with East End Phoenix Football Club
SurvivorsUK are excited to announce that we are partnering with East End Phoenix FC, our local LGBTQ+ inclusive football team. Together, we will work to bring people together to raise awareness of sexual violence support available in the local community.
![East End Phoenix football team lineup, with SurvivorsUK CEO Gary Williams](https://www.survivorsuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/EEP1-1024x683.jpg)
Our CEO, Gary Williams, and East End Phoenix chairperson Chris W had this to say:
“Football brings communities together. It builds connection between people, breaks down barriers, and when we make it more inclusive and look out for each other, then everyone benefits. Sport can also help people who have experienced trauma build confidence in themselves and trust in others on their healing journey.
That’s why we’re thrilled at SurvivorsUK to be partnering with East End Phoenix, our local LGBTQ+ football club whose home turf is a stone’s throw away from our offices in Hackney Wick.
Working with men, boys and non-binary people who have experienced sexual abuse, we know that 1 in 6 men will experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime – approximately 2 players in an all-male football line up. For gay and bisexual man, the rate is even higher at 45%. They could be our friends, partners, family members or teammates.
We’re excited to work together with East End Phoenix to open up conversations in the local community about sexual violence and raise awareness of support that is available to survivors from SurvivorsUK and others. By challenging the silence that stops so many people who have experienced sexual abuse from seeking help, we can build a community that truly supports the survivors who are in our lives.”
Gary Williams
SurvivorsUK CEO
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“East End Phoenix are delighted to be partnering with SurvivorsUK. We are looking forward to spreading awareness within the LGBTQ+ football community so that people are better equipped to help ourselves, friends and loved ones with all the fantastic work SurvivorsUK do. As well as being our main sponsors for our brand new kit which will start conversations, we’ll be working with SurvivorsUK to share information and fundraise for the charity throughout the season.
“We are proud that the charity is our main sponsor and are excited to be welcoming the SurvivorsUK community to our footballing family. East End Phoenix welcomes people of all backgrounds and abilities to be part of a community that promotes physical and mental wellbeing.”
Chris W
East End Phoenix Chairperson