Falmouth tattoo day for the charity Bronwen says saved her life

There was a time when Bronwen Edwards desperately needed help. This Sunday she is opening the doors of her new Falmouth studio to six female tattoo artists, and every penny raised is going to the organisation that was there for her.

Bronwen, owner of Sacred Heart Tattoo, Piercing & Fine Jewellery Boutique, is organising her second annual charity tattoo and piercing day on Sunday 15 November. It takes place at her newly opened studio on Arwenack Street in Falmouth, with every artist donating their time and skills to raise money for The Women’s Centre Cornwall.

“They were there for me”

Bronwen has worked in the body piercing industry for more than a decade. She previously accessed support from The Women’s Centre Cornwall, including counselling and therapeutic services, and credits the organisation with helping her rebuild her life.

Today she is a mother, a professional body piercer and an independent business owner. And she wants to use what she has built to help other women reach the same support that made such a difference to her.

“The Women’s Centre Cornwall quite literally saved my life,” Bronwen said.

“There was a time in my life when I desperately needed help, and they were there for me. I received counselling, art therapy and other support that helped me through an incredibly difficult time.

“They gave me a safe space where I felt listened to, believed and supported without judgement. I genuinely don’t know where I would be today without them.

“To now be in a position where I have my own business and can bring together an incredible group of women to raise money for the very organisation that helped me is something I’m immensely proud of.”

She believes people often underestimate how important organisations like this are. “For some women, having somewhere safe to turn to can genuinely change, or even save, their lives. I know that because I was one of those women.

“If sharing a little of my own experience helps raise awareness of the support available, or encourages even one woman to reach out for help, then it’s worth it.”

Six artists, one day

The line-up brings together female tattoo artists from across Cornwall. Sacred Heart Falmouth’s resident artists Krissy and Lil will be joined by Georgie Higman and Remy Nurse from Kirinki Tattoo, Gemma from Point House Tattoo and Kayley Jayne from Old Station Tattoo.

Each of them has created designs for a special collection of pre-priced tattoo flash, available on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis. Bronwen will also be offering a selection of discounted piercings, and a charity raffle will run throughout the day.

Last year’s total to beat

The first event, held at Sacred Heart Tattoo & Piercing in St Austell, raised £2,485 for The Women’s Centre Cornwall. With a new home in Falmouth and a bigger line-up, Bronwen is hoping to go further this time.

“Last year’s event was incredible, and the support we received from the community really meant a lot to me,” she said.

“This year we’ve got even more talented women involved, all giving up their own time because they believe in what we’re doing.

“There’s something really special about women coming together to support other women, particularly when you know the money raised will go towards helping people who may be facing some of the hardest moments of their lives.

“I’d absolutely love to beat last year’s total, but more than anything, I want to raise awareness of the incredible work The Women’s Centre does.”

Thirty years on

The fundraiser falls in The Women’s Centre Cornwall’s 30th anniversary year. For three decades the organisation has supported women and girls across Cornwall, including those affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence and other forms of trauma.

Alongside the money, Bronwen hopes the day will help shine a light on why those services need to stay available for the women who need them.

If you’re going

• When: Sunday 15 November, 10am to 5pm
• Where: Sacred Heart Tattoo, Piercing & Fine Jewellery Boutique, Arwenack Street, Falmouth
• What’s on: charity tattoo flash, discounted piercings and a raffle

There is no booking. Tattoos and selected piercings are walk-in only, first come, first served.