People are being invited to take part in “a small but powerful act” by a Watford-based charity offering counselling services to women who have experienced sexual violence which is relaunching.

Taking place to coincide with International Women’s Day, Juno Hertfordshire is asking people to take part in a ‘walk for freedom and recovery’ in Cassiobury Park on Saturday, March 12.

Counsellors and volunteers from the organisation, which was formerly Watford Rape Crisis, will meet at the Peace Hospice end of the park at 2pm, holding purple balloons so that they can’t be missed.

They will then make the symbolic walk to the Cassiobury Park Community Hub, next to the Daisy’s in the Park cafe, where there will be a chance to find out more about the service, have a coffee and cake, and even hear some original poetry - written especially for the occasion.

Juno’s counselling co-ordinator Laura Smith said: “Our walk is a small but powerful act that shows what we can achieve when we take the first step. With others by our side, we can gain the strength to walk towards freedom and recovery.”

Explaining the decision behind the name change and relaunch, Laura said: “Watford Rape Crisis made the decision to change its name to Juno Hertfordshire to reflect the sheer breadth of ways that sexual violence affects women’s lives. No matter when or how it happened, we offer empathy, compassion and support to any women who feels ready to talk.

“Juno was the ancient Roman goddess who had a central role as the protector of women. We feel that we are aligned with Juno’s character as our aim is to support women to find safety and protection with us, and to go forward with the knowledge that the future offers hope for recovery and the chance to live life fully.”

The event is open to all, and Juno Hertfordshire will be at the Cassiobury Park Community Hub until 4pm.