Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council has teamed up with Chelsea FC Women to provide an allocation of free match tickets to local women’s centres for WSL matches at the Bridge.

Chelsea FC Women was delighted to welcome the first group of guests receiving support from the centres for the Blues’ contest against Manchester City, with local council officers there to support our guests. We hope that in a small way, this experience will have provided some relief and respite for the women and children who joined us – and we look forward to welcoming them again in the coming months.

One of the guests spoke of the experience, saying: ‘We all had fun. It was a great experience to see the power of women. I was also thinking about how powerful it is for the women who came to watch the match as many of them come from social backgrounds where women have no rights and men are the ones who mainly watch football, let alone play it, whilst the women are expected to look after them, serve them tea and snacks and so on while they watch the match on the TV. It was so powerful to be in a famous stadium and watch the football live. Thanks a lot for this experience.’

Cllr Rebecca Harvey, H&F cabinet member for social inclusion and community safety, added, 'Supporting women to rebuild their lives means recognising that healing happens in many different ways. Sometimes it's through practical help, and sometimes it's through moments of joy like watching world-class female athletes compete at the highest level.

'We're delighted that Chelsea FC Women shares our commitment to supporting survivors of violence against women and girls.'

Both Chelsea FC and the borough are committed to tackling violence against women and girls, with Hammersmith & Fulham investing significant funds to protect and support survivors and hold abusers to account.

Chelsea has a wide commitment to making football a safer, more inclusive space for everyone and in the matchday programme for Chelsea Women games we have carried pages countering sexual harassment. These include information on how to report harassment and domestic violence, and seek further help. There are also stickers on every seat showing methods for reporting abuse.

In addition, the Metropolitan Police Service has had representatives at Chelsea games offering information and a chance for the public to share opinions on policing to prevent violence against women and girls.

Chelsea is also one of the Premier League clubs working with White Ribbon UK, a leading charity working to end violence against women and girls by engaging men and boys in challenging harmful behaviours and attitudes.

This includes having supporter ambassadors involved in the initiative, information targeted at male visitors to our stadiums, and training for matchday staff, as we endeavour to raise awareness of the role men can play in creating respectful and welcoming environments, particularly on matchdays.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing abuse or violence, you can visit the H&F support page for advice and help

To report harassment in the borough, including sexual harassment, you can use the contact details below:

• Email: [email protected]

• Call: 020 8753 1100 (select option 3 – not a dedicated harassment line)

In an emergency always call 999.