Hello! 

I am currently a Children and Families Worker with Hestia Housing and Support, based in Kensington and Chelsea, London. The families that I work with have all  fled domestic abuse in their homes and come to stay in the refuge as a place of safety and a place in which they can gather themselves and start the next chapters of their lives, free from violence. 

During their stay we want to provide the children with chances to have fun, relax and enjoy doing things that all children have the right to do. Many have not had opportunities to do simple things such as go swimming or to the cinema. Many women have to leave their jobs in order to gain safety, all are now full time single mothers. Most come with few possessions and as such have very little money.

The summer holidays can be daunting for families in a new area, with little money and few (if any) family members or friends. By running a programme of activities we aim to keep the families busy and allow them to spend quality time together, something which was often impossible in the abusive homes which they have left. 

Sadly, funding is always a challenge so I am looking to raise additional funds to ensure that all the families I work with have a summer to remember. 

Currently I am working with 7 families, 10 children, with the children ranging in age from 1 - 13 years. As I'm sure you can imagine arranging activities that appeal to all is challenging enough, without having to tell them - sorry, we can't afford it. 

Any money donated through this page will be ring fenced for the service in which I am based.

Thank you for taking the time to look at this page, and I hope you feel it is a worthy cause to donate to!

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