I started martial training in as a young survivor and built strength, agility, focus, and confidence. But I would ‘black out’ increasingly often, becoming injured and needed to stop. I later learned how to work with trauma in the body as a yoga teacher and longed to return to martial arts. I couldn't find a trauma-informed training space nearby. So I decided to create some.

I’m a professional service researcher, and hold certification in Trauma Centre Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), Empowerment Self Defence (ESD), and a 1st Kyu in Shotokan Karate, and completed Conscious Combat Club training in trauma-informed martial arts programme design.

The first time I put on boxing gloves and felt the impact against the pads is a memory that really stands out for me. At that time, I didn't fully grasp how our nervous system reacts in high-stress situations. It was through my psychotherapy training, and particularly my focus on the treatment of trauma, where I began to connect the dots.

Now, as part of The Power Project, I bring a therapeutic perspective to our work. My aim is to help create environments where individuals can safely discover their power, turning their challenges into sources of strength.

Alice McAlpine-Riddell is a PhD candidate at the Centre for Digital Anthropology, University College London (UCL). Her research examines practices and experiences of urban safety and security, including self-defence workshops from an anthropological perspective.

As a volunteer research consultant at The Power Project, Alice uses her field experience and research skills in traditional and digital ethnography to inform the design of The Power Project's programmes. Her approach as an anthropologist is holistic, prioritising research that is culturally informed and locally grounded.

Are you someone who…….. creates compelling content, does insightful research with service users, designs services that work, has a knack for data analysis?

Maybe you’re a pro at community outreach, creating support networks, marketing, or fundraising? Perhaps you’re a seasoned advisor or have skills to extend The Power Project’s impact and reach in ways that we haven’t even thought of yet?

Oh good, you’re just in time, please reach out.

Are you part of an organisation which supports survivors of trauma? A martial arts school or association? Excellent, there’s so much we can do together, let’s talk.