Family Help... Not just for Christmas
This year, we are excited to be taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge… the UK’s biggest match funding campaign! Founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Alec Reed CBE, The Big Give Christmas Challenge has raised millions for charities across the UK since it began in 2008 and will allow supporters of Family Help to have their donation doubled with match funding. We have set ourselves a target to raise ￡4,000 to fund our project “Family Help… Not just for Christmas”.
Christmas is a magical time for most families around the world, however, for those fleeing domestic abuse, it can feel far from magical. At Family Help, we are always overwhelmed by the support of the local community around Christmas, however, as our supporters know our service is required 365 days a year.
Every year, we welcome around 60 women and 100 children from all over the UK into our refuge, helping them to rebuild their lives in a positive and safe way. We want to raise funds for activities and days out that will provide respite and encourage positivity to our clients during a difficult time.
When clients come into refuge, they are fleeing domestic abuse so quite often they come from out of area. Coming into a refuge miles from home can be unsettling for our clients and their children - they miss their friends and family - the familiarity of home. Rebuilding a life in a new community whilst dealing with the aftermath of fleeing an abusive relationship is an extremely challenging time for our clients - we aim to make this transition as smooth as possible for our clients.
As well as the usual support we provide clients to get them back on their feet, we are hoping to raise funds through the Big Give Christmas Challenge to enable us to have a comprehensive activity schedule for our clients and children in 2021. Not only will the planned activities/days out provide respite from a very emotional and stressful situation and allow families to make positive memories together but it will also enable clients to familiarise themselves with our area and make them feel more at home.
The impact of this project on our clients and children will be significant - it will provide respite, relaxation and rehabilitation. Our clients and their children will have activities and events to look forward to; these activities will enable them to spend quality time together and forget about the stresses associated with fleeing domestic abuse. This project will improve mental health and inspire confidence and positive living.
Every ￡1 you donate will be match funded by the Big Give, doubling your support and making a huge difference to the lives of those affected by domestic abuse. One donation, twice the impact.
Our campaign will go live at 12pm on 1st December 2020, when you will be able to make your donation online during Giving Week. The campaign will close at 12pm on 8th December so please ensure you make your donation before this deadline for Family Help to benefit from double the donation. Head to donate.thebiggive.org.uk and search for ‘Family Help CIO’ to make your donation.