MORE than 50 Keighley women gathered in Bracken Bank for a day focusing on mental health, well-being and surviving domestic violence.

The event, entitled What’s Cake Got to Do With It?, was organised at the Sue Belcher Centre by the e5 women’s empowerment project.

The speakers were Keighley West ward councillor Julie Lintern and Rina, a survivor of domestic violence, who highlighted the link between domestic violence and problems with mental health.

Rina told the audience: “Many women stay silent about their abuse and don't seek the confidential support that is available to them either through the Domestic Violence Service, Staying Put or just by talking to their GP.”

There was also a mindfulness tree, stress-busting techniques, and a photography and art workshop to prepare material for a planned Art and Film Festival this October at Keighley Creative Space.

Val Mills, one of those attending the event, said: “Local women actively working together to support each other in their communities, formally as well as informally, was amazing.”

Jo Horrox, from e5, planned the day with women from the local community and the existing Women of Keighley volunteers.