This Christmas, Frome’s festive decorations will carry a powerful message of solidarity and change. In support of White Ribbon Day on Tuesday, November 25, Frome Town Council and the community are spearheading a town-wide initiative that calls on men and boys to actively oppose violence against women and girls.
Central to the campaign, the town’s Christmas tree will be adorned with white ribbons—the symbol of the White Ribbon UK campaign, which promotes male involvement in ending gender-based violence (VAWG).
Throughout the season, several awareness activities will engage the community. These include recruiting new White Ribbon Ambassadors and Champions, placing campaign materials in men’s public restrooms across Frome, and offering a free, drop-in training session at Frome Town Hall on Sunday, October 26, from 3pm to 5pm.
READ MORE: Couple Weds in Stunning £4 Million Somerset Mansion Won in Omaze Draw
READ MORE: Live: Train Disruptions Following Vehicle Collision with Railway Bridge
Local campaign leader Holly Pickering, active since March, emphasized the community’s role: “We must come together to effect real change. Men have a crucial role in using their voices and allyship to send a clear message that violence and harmful behaviours are unacceptable. We invite all men and boys in Frome to join us as White Ribbon Ambassadors or Champions this autumn.”
Councillor Anne Hills highlighted the broader community effort: “In March 2025, our International Women’s Day forum ‘Accelerate Action: A Safer Future for Women and Girls in Frome’ united residents, educators, and sector representatives to identify practical steps to challenge misogyny and harmful gender stereotypes that fuel violence.”
She continued, “Rather than ‘calling someone out’, we’re ‘calling everyone in’—inviting the community to take the White Ribbon pledge to never tolerate or excuse violence against women. This free Ambassador and Champion training is more than just a session—it’s a commitment to fostering safety and respect for women and girls in Frome and beyond.”
Further reinforcing this commitment, Frome Town Council is pursuing official White Ribbon accreditation, underscoring its dedication to cultivating a culture of safety and respect throughout the town.
Anyone interested in supporting the campaign is welcome to attend the free drop-in session at Frome Town Hall on Sunday, October 26, 3pm to 5pm—no prior booking is needed.