Living Without Abuse (LWA)

Last night BBC Radio Leicester held their Make a Difference Awards. Congratulations to LWA volunteer Helen who was a FINALIST in the Carer Award, awarded to someone who improves the life of an individual or group of people through their helpfulness, compassion, and support. There were hundreds of nominations! Although Helen didn't win the award last night the judges stressed how inspirational Helen is and that her story has helped others come forward about their own experiences of DV. Helen adds: 'I would like to use this opportunity to raise awareness on domestic abuse and our amazing LWA service. I am hoping that being a finalist can inspire other survivors! There is life after abuse, and it's better than you could ever imagine. If I can do it anyone can! Believe in yourself!' You are a winner for LWA and your clients Helen, and we are immensely proud of you. #MakeaDifferenceAwards

We are in awe of the fabulous Sarah Reeves who will be running the formidable Half Marathon Des Sables in Morocco in October - all for LWA!!! The HMDS Morocco is a race across the Sahara desert. It's run over 4 days, day 1 and 2 is running, day 3 is a rest day and final push is day 4. You can choose between 3 distances, 70km, 100km or 120km. Sarah explains: 'I'm doing this challenge because it's something I have dreamed of for a very long time. I know it's going to be hard (understatement) but It will show me how far I have come and how much stronger I have become. One day at a time seems to be my life's motto, and sometimes it has been one hour at a time (or less). I have decided to raise a little money along the way for LWA, because there was a time in my life where, One day at a time seemed impossible and LWA were there to help me.' WOW what an incredible challenge - please show your support for Sarah by sponsoring her here: https://lnkd.in/eVTejc7C

A big thank you to Carole and all at the Thorpe Acre WI for another fabulous donation of toiletries, underwear, baby items and more! These will be greatly appreciated by our clients. If you would like to arrange a fundraiser or donation drive for LWA please contact emily@lwa.org.uk #MakeADifference

Thank you to everyone who voted for us in Loughborough, Shepshed and Sileby Tesco Stores. We have been awarded £1000 through Tesco Stronger Starts. This scheme gives community projects like ours grants of up to £1500 - and you decide how much funding we get. These funds will enable us to treat staff on our annual staff wellbeing day this September. Each year LWA staff support over 7,000 adults and children in our local community in difficult and traumatic situations. It’s important that we look after staff mental health and wellbeing so that they can continue to support domestic abuse survivors across Leicestershire and Rutland. Thanks to you and Tesco for looking after LWA colleagues! #tescostrongerstarts

Shout out to Amy, Ty, Wendy and Rocky the dog who recently completed a 10k charity run raising an AMAZING £1183 for LWA. Thank you to everyone who supported them. These much-needed funds will purchase 5 starter packs – including bedding, towels and kitchen essentials such as microwave/kettle/toaster - for those fleeing abuse and starting out in their new, safe homes. The team were aiming for a time of 1 hr 15 mins, and smashed it at 1hr 8 mins!!!!!  Fantastic – we cannot thank you enough. It's not too late to sponsor these formidable fundraisers - https://lnkd.in/eDNKwJkX   If you would like to fundraise for us, please contact emily@lwa.org.uk

LWA’s wonderful volunteers give up their time for many reasons, whether it be to give back to the community, learn new skills and experience, or simply because they enjoy volunteering.   Many of our volunteers support LWA as this is an area that they want to work in, and volunteering is a great way to gain the experience and skills needed for such specialist roles.   Did you know that in the last year, 13 of LWA’s volunteers have been offered paid work (7 of these within LWA)?! Of these, 100% said that volunteering at LWA had improved their skills and experience and over 90% felt that volunteering with LWA had improved their employability.   Many of LWA’s staff started as volunteers or undertook student placements with us, and it’s fantastic to see their hard work pay off. Well done to all our current and former volunteers who have been successful in achieving paid work over the last year. This goes to show that volunteering is a fantastic way to gain skills and experience and improve employability prospects.   If you are interested in volunteering with LWA, please visit our website for more details: https://lnkd.in/e2-QxKd9, or contact nicky@lwa.org.uk.

News latest! We've just received confirmation that our Head of Fundraising Emily Corrigan has been shortlisted as a FINALIST for the VAL Fundraiser of the Year Award. Congratulations Emily - that's amazing. Fingers crossed for Awards Night on October 18th.

Shout out to Amy, Ty, Wendy and Rocky the dog who will be running 10k on Saturday 24th August 2024 to raise funds and support LWA. Amy explains: This is a cause close to all our hearts. We understand the devastating impact of abuse and the critical importance of having access to compassionate and effective support services. By fundraising for LWA, we aim to contribute to their invaluable work and ensure that more people can access the help they need. Ty is an MMA fighter and unfortunately suffered an MCL tear a few months ago. Because of this, his mum Wendy is going to run the first 5k alongside me, and then Ty will join me to finish the last 5k as we don't want him to make his injury worse! Wendy published a book in 2019 about her experience with abuse "Her Mothers Betrayal" https://lnkd.in/eGaQ5Wfa This amazing team has already raised £1138.00 in sponsorship - show your support and sponsor them here: https://lnkd.in/eDNKwJkX Go Amy and team!!!!!

It's official! Our 2024 Colour Run raised an amazing £3876 which will go directly to supporting local vulnerable people. Thanks to all our runners, volunteers and stall holders. Shout out to Zumba Fitness with Leila Mayor of Charnwood and sponsors East Midlands Airport and Midland Quarry Products. Wow to our top fundraisers Team Manager Fitness who raised £440 and Alex Clamp, top individual fundraiser, who raised £300. Looking forward to doing it all again next year!!

Are you a professional who interacts with adult or child victims and survivors of #DomesticAbuse in #Bolton, #Leicestershire or #Sheffield? It’s time to have your say on local responses to domestic abuse, so that together we can help shape a future where all victims get the right support at the right time. By taking part in this crucial survey you will have an opportunity to anonymously share your views and experiences of the local services that provide support to people experiencing domestic abuse and address the behaviour of those causing harm. We also want to understand your thoughts on incorporating survivor voices, experiences, and expertise into services.  Complete the survey here - https://bit.ly/4d3HoIX Closes 30th September. Fortalice Ltd Sheffield City Council Sheffield Mind Ltd Living Without Abuse (LWA) Leicestershire County Council Bolton Council Haven (Sheffield)