The Wake Up Foundation (TWKF) was born from over a decade of advocacy for women’s rights, starting with Bulgaria’s largest Facebook group for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, now with over 9,700 members. Recognizing the need for systemic support, the foundation was created to provide essential services, raise awareness, and drive change.
A Leading Force for Change
TWKF has become a major advocate for women’s and human rights in Bulgaria, with programs shaped by survivors' real-life experiences and needs.
Recognized Impact
In 2023, TWKF’s efforts were instrumental in changing Bulgaria’s domestic violence laws, earning the prestigious "Human of the Year 2023" award from the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee.
Collaboration for Healing
In October 2024, TWKF partnered with ANIMA Barcelona to launch a pioneering Dance and Movement Therapy (DMT) program for Bulgarian women survivors. This innovative program provides a safe space for survivors to process trauma and rebuild their lives.
With great success, both organizations are expanding the program to offer more women the opportunity to heal and thrive. Together, we are building a future where every woman feels safe, supported, and empowered.
In the wake of the global mental health crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for personal responsibility and institutional support for mental fitness has never been clearer.
The Urgency of Mental Health:
📊 Harvard Medical School and University of Queensland (2023) report that 1 in 2 people will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime.
📊 National Institute of Mental Health (2021) reveals that over 57.8 million U.S. adults—1 in 5—live with a mental illness.
These staggering statistics emphasize the urgent need for action, not just from individuals but from socially responsible institutions committed to mental well-being across all sectors—workplaces, schools, and communities.
ANIMA Barcelona Partners with InHolland University to Inspire Mental Fitness
ANIMA Barcelona proudly partnered with InHolland University to deliver impactful lectures on Mental Health and Embodiment to nearly 100+ first-year students in the Business Innovation program. Our team of Dance and Movement Therapy experts guided students through vital topics, including:
What We Did
✨ Exercises for Inner Grounding
Students learned somatically informed practices that helped them stay calm, focused, and resilient during stressful moments, empowering them to manage pressure with ease.
✨ Leadership and Team-Building Through Movement
Fun leadership games and movement exercises encouraged creativity, collaboration, and strong peer connections.
✨ Building Peer Relationships
Interactive activities fostered deeper bonds, creating a supportive community that students could rely on throughout their academic journey.
Creating a Culture of Care
This collaboration exemplifies our shared commitment to equipping young adults with the tools they need to thrive—mentally, emotionally, and socially. In today’s world, where mental health is a growing priority, initiatives like this are crucial for nurturing resilience in future leaders. Together, we are not only addressing the mental health crisis—we are empowering individuals to rise above it. 🌟
Blijf Groep: 50 Years of Combating Domestic Violence
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, Blijf Groep is one of the Netherlands' most respected and pioneering domestic violence shelters. For five decades, the organization has been dedicated to stopping domestic and gender violence, including the often-overlooked cases of coercive control. Blijf Groep provides comprehensive support to all those impacted by the cycle of violence. Their mission is clear: to eliminate violence from society and create safety through personalized, systemic support. Blijf Groep offers assistance through home-based services, crisis shelters, residential programs, and extensive group support for children, teens, and adults. With branches in North Holland and Flevoland, Blijf Groep continues to lead in innovative approaches to tackling domestic violence.
ANIMA Barcelona’s Dance and Movement Therapy at Oranje Huis
In collaboration with Blijf Groep, ANIMA Barcelona brought its expertise in Dance and Movement Therapy (DMT) to survivors of domestic abuse residing in the Oranje Huis shelter in Amsterdam. The intervention was tailored to support women rebuilding their lives after abuse and aimed to improve their quality of life while reducing anxiety and enhancing self-esteem.
Program Overview
Introductory Sessions:
Five initial DMT sessions built trust and created a safe space for healing.
Main Intervention:
Ten semi-closed group sessions provided deeper therapeutic work.
Therapeutic Tools:
Artistic materials like scarves, nets, and drawings helped participants express and process trauma.
Grounding & Circle Dances:
Grounding exercises and circle dances from Ancient Greek and Slavic traditions promoted bonding, trust-building, and reclaiming personal space.
Research & Impact
The program aimed for measurable outcomes:
Supported by academic institutions including the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Panteion University, and Hellenic Open University, the program offered both therapeutic relief and valuable insights.
A Safe Space for Healing
By blending creative expression, movement, and cultural traditions, ANIMA Barcelona’s therapy empowered survivors to rebuild their sense of self and personal agency. The partnership with Blijf Groep highlights how innovative therapy and systemic support foster healing and resilience.
For more on Blijf Groep’s approach, visit their website.
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