Please Note: Our 24-hour telephone helpline will be open throughout Christmas and the New Year, however our Head Office will be closed on 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th and 31st December and 1st and 2nd January.
And just like that, Christmas is almost upon us – where has the year gone! Some of you will already be enjoying a mince pie and glass of mulled wine, but before we take a break for the Christmas period we wanted to reflect on the year that has been and look at what 2017 has in store for Leeway.
It has been an eventful year for us. Not only have we hosted a number of successful fundraising events, but we have also been able to expand the services we offer to people experiencing domestic abuse. Here are just a few of our highlights from the year:
- New Refuges: This year we are delighted to have been able to open two new refuges in Breckland and West Norfolk. This brings our total number to five and allows us to offer a safe environment in which women and children can escape abusive relationships.
- Skydive: Our inaugural skydive event was held at Beccles Airfield in March this year. 22 brave individuals made the jump for Leeway. Participants included 7 members of the Clapham & Collinge team, 2 members of the Skipton Building Society team and 8 members of the Queens Dragoons Guards.
- Big Lottery Grant: Like many charities we rely heavily on the generosity of the general public and funding from national organisations. For that reason, we were delighted to receive a grant of £606,315 from the Big Lottery fund. This money will be used to help us support thousands of women, teenagers and young girls living with domestic abuse in West Norfolk.
- Leeway Conference: In September, we hosted the Leeway Conference. Attended by more than 150 delegates, we heard powerful speeches covering a range of subjects, including criminal justice and abuse, changes to domestic abuse legislation, domestic abuse against men and the impact of domestic abuse on children. One of the most powerful speeches came from campaigner Zoe Dronfield, with the room falling silent as she shared the story of how she was beaten, stamped on, stabbed and kept prisoner in her own home.
- Leeway Fundraising Ball: We finished the year in style with our Christmas Fundraising Ball. This year’s event was held at the Sprowston Manor Marriot Hotel and we were joined by 180 guests for an evening of great food, live music and dancing. The evening was a big success and so far, we have raised almost £7,000 to help us continue delivering support to those experiencing domestic abuse.
What Can You Expect from Leeway in 2017?
Our main aim for 2017 continues to be improving awareness of all aspects of domestic abuse and offering support to anyone living with an abusive relationship. We will also be hosting further fundraising events, including more quizzes and another skydive in March – back after the success of this year’s event. Please keep an eye on our blog and social media for more information about how to get involved with these events.
So finally, before we head off for a short break, we wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
