We had stalls at the Council Offices in Yate and Kingswood. It was a great opportunity to meet Council staff and pass on information about our services. Among other things, we shared information about the Freedom programme, which is a 12-week rolling programme open to any woman who wishes to learn more about the reality of domestic abuse. We also handed out branded pens and notepads, to make it easier for Council staff to find our contact details.
We have been out and about meeting members of the public this week, raising awareness about domestic abuse and fundraising. We’ve had stalls at the Willow Brook Shopping Centre in Bradley Stoke and at the Shopping Centre in Yate. In addition to bucket collecting, our wonderful team of volunteer fundraisers organised face painting, crafts, a lucky dip and Christmas gift wrapping. A big thank you to them!
We have a team of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) based within the Accident and Emergency Department at Southmead Hospital. Their aim is to work with high risk victims who are not supported by other agencies. During this week, the A&E team had a stall in the hospital with the aim of raising awareness about the service they provide among hospital staff.
With over 9,000 homes in the south west, Merlin is a major provider of affordable housing. We visited their main offices this week, meeting staff and passing on more information about Survive. You can find out more about Merlin, by visiting their website.
With recent surveys revealing that approximately 40% of young people are subjected to relationship abuse in their teenage years, this week we took ‘Connect with Respect’ into schools. The initiative aims to teach young people about healthy and unhealthy relationship feelings, providing information and support to any concerned individuals. If you want to find out more about arranging a ‘Connect With Respect’ assembly, please contact [email protected].
We’re delighted to have been featured on BBC Radio Bristol today – a great opportunity to spread the word about our children & young people services! Listen to the short clip via https://twitter.com/bbcrb/status/798980731535929345
Women’s Aid CEO, Polly Neate, explains the need for adopting an ‘equal rights, different needs’ approach to domestic abuse support services in her latest blog piece. Each year around 2.1m people suffer some form of domestic abuse – 1.4 million women (8.5% of the population) and 700,000 men (4.5% of the population). At Survive, we understand the value of tailoring support services to the different needs of different victims, supporting equal access but recognising that male and females should be supported differently is vital.
You can read Polly’s full blog piece here: “Equal Rights, Different Needs”
The draft proposal sets out a change to how Bristol City Council prioritises victims of Domestic Abuse through Home Choice Bristol. Within the context of increasing demand for affordable rented properties our focus is to help those who are most at risk to move quickly. They are particularly keen to hear from practitioners who work with victims of domestic abuse.
Have your say by visiting the following link: https://bristol.citizenspace.com/neighbourhoods/prioritising-victims-of-domestic-abuse-home-choice/
Can you help us? We are looking for a couple of new members to join our fundraising subgroup. We meet roughly every six weeks throughout the year to plan our programme of events.
Your time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give and your support will help transform the lives of those experiencing domestic abuse.
If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please get in touch on [email protected]
Could you or your organisation sponsor a safe and comfortable night’s sleep for a child or woman in refuge?
A comfortable night’s sleep is not a lot to ask when you have left your home to escape domestic abuse and often had to leave most of your belongings behind.
We want to provide new mattresses across our 3 refuges to give families a better night’s sleep.
£35 would provide a new cot mattress for a baby or toddler
£125 would provide a new firm and comfortable mattress for a child or woman
To donate:
Text SURV00 and the amount to 70070
Donate online via Justgiving
Send us a cheque payable to Survive and send to Survive, PO Box 61, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 8XJ
There is no excuse for domestic abuse or rape and sexual assault.
More information has been added to the ‘this is not an excuse’ website.
Designed by Avon and Somerset Police the website to raise awareness of domestic abuse, rape and serious sexual assault and to signpost to organisations that provide help and support.
The concept originated from a Scottish Rape Crisis campaign and has since been evolved by Avon and Somerset Police, Safer Bristol and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset.
Rape, sexual assault and domestic abuse are very serious crimes. It is a priority to protect adults and children who are at risk.
The website gives general information, as well as guidance on help and support you may need to make the decision that is right for you.
Take a look here: http://www.thisisnotanexcuse.org
We are asking people to support Survive during Domestic Violence Awareness Week 2016 (21st-26th November) by Fundraising for us.
Could you host your own event and help raise vital funds for Survive, as well as awareness of domestic abuse?
You could hold a cake sale, have a dress down day at work or school maybe? Get sponsored to give something up? Hold a wine tasting evening perhaps?
You could host your event at home, at work, at school or in the community!
To request a fundraising pack please email Survive on [email protected] or call us on 0117 961 3065.
WISH
Some see a weed, others see a wish
Wish, is the true story of the survival of a young woman who suffered 11 years of abuse at the hands of her ex –partner. It follows a 16 year old girl and how she was gradually manipulated and mentally and physically abused, through to her escape.
Web: http://eviejameswish.co.uk E-mail: [email protected] Twitter: @eviejameswish
10% of all profits will be donated to Survive. Wish is now available to download from Amazon.
