At Glow, we’re putting the spotlight on relationship abuse and working to create a world where no one has to live through an abusive relationship or feel trapped in the cycle of abusive behaviour.
This Christmas at Glow, we’re fundraising to support survivors of domestic abuse living in our safe accommodation services in Staffordshire.
Our #ThisChristmas campaign will focus on changing the present and creating a safer festive season for those escaping domestic abuse.
When people experiencing abuse are ready to seek support, our safe accommodation services provide a secure space free of violence and abuse.
Jenny and her daughter three-year-old daughter Layla arrived at our refuge in November 2020.
With Christmas just around the corner, no money, and just basic clothing, Jenny was worried about how she was going to buy gifts for her daughter.
She shared her story of Christmas in refuge with us.
Jenny said: “I arrived at refuge with my daughter and just some basic clothing.
“At the time I had no access to income and I knew it was going to take a long time to get sorted. I was worried about buying food and day to day living expenses.
“On top of this, Christmas was coming, and I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to buy any gifts for my daughter.
“The refuge staff reassured me that I didn’t need to worry about Christmas. They said they would have presents for my daughter that I could give to her.
“Not having to worry about that really helped me. It also meant that I was able to use the funding I got to buy fresh food, instead of gifts and toiletries.”
Thanks to donations from generous supporters of Glow, children like Layla are able to enjoy the magic of Christmas in the safety of refuge.
As well as make sure each child in refuge receives a Christmas gift, staff also make sure there’s a Christmas dinner and lots of festive decorations.
Jenny said: “It took pressure off me as a mum, I knew it would be OK.
“I did not expect people to help me in the way that they did. They were good people who helped me out in a time of difficulty. It was a blessing.”
We are supporting Jenny and Layla as they start a new chapter. You can help families like them by supporting out #ThisChristmas campaign.
