Solace, a leading specialist charity in the UK supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence, have launched an appeal to raise money for their children’s play service in their refuges across London.
The short video tells the story of *Hollie, a young girl who came to a Solace refuge after fleeing her abusive father. Her story, voiced by herself, highlights how the support of a Solace Play Worker allowed Hollie to feel safe again.
The charity supports nearly 30,000 women and children every year in London alone,with over 1,000 women and children entering their refuges every year. 1 in 7 children will experience domestic abuse and the impact of this can be long-lasting. The impact of the cost of living crisis means Solace are seeing more and more children arriving with nothing.
“My role really is to let the children play. Children need to feel safe to be able to play. But lots of children I see haven’t had the right environment to be able to do this. I create a space where they can be completely themselves.”
Ariminta Lawless, Solace Play Worker
“Many children experiencing or witnessing abuse are forced to grow up too quickly. Solace Play Workers give children the safe space to simply play. Often, they are forced to flee their homes, sometimes at a moment’s notice, leaving behind cherished toys, clothing and other essentials. After such upheaval, Play Workers provide that safe space to learn to be free and to play again. This appeal will allow us to continue the incredible work of our Play Workers, buy new toys and equipment, and allow us to organise trips over the summer holidays”
Beth Rollings, Campaigns & Community Manager
From 6th June to 20th June 2023, every donation made to Solace’s Big Give campaign will be matched by the Childhood Trust. Solace has a target of £10,000, which will help fund support for the hundreds of children fleeing abuse across London.
A huge thank you to *Hollie, Ariminta Lawless and Karen Bryson for being part of this campaign.
*Names have been changed to protect identity.
Media enquiries: Please contact media@solacewomensaid.org
Fundraising enquiries: Please contact fundraising@solacewomensaid.org