Give joy to victims of abuse, rape and slavery

In the midst of the rush and busyness of the final preparations for Christmas, we at Company of Dreams just wanted to take a quiet moment to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support this year and what you've helped us achieve.

Your generous donations have enabled us to begin our work bringing joy to women affected by dreadful traumas, and the results have been so inspiring already. We'll be sharing some of the results with you in coming weeks, but first we wanted to let you know where we are now with our programme, thanks to you.

We are so happy to let you know that we are now teaching regular bellydance classes in two safe houses for women escaping from violent partners. All these women are living in in hiding, hundreds of miles from home, family, friends and work, having had to flee for their lives. 

We have taught taster sessions in a hospice - not only for women with cancer, but for carers and bereaved relatives. And we have taught a series of classes in an open prison for women, many of whom have been victims of abuse of some kind, some of whom are in prison for fighting back against their abusers - a fight back that went seriously wrong.

A few weeks ago we began teaching in a hostel for women escaping from war and conflict. Their stories are truly shocking - many have been raped as victims of war, and are now carrying their rapist's child. Some actually gave birth on the road, whilst escaping to freedom. And very soon we will be teaching in at least one safe house for victims of slavery.

Thanks to you, all of these women are now experiencing the simple fun and the togetherness of dancing each week, led by our wonderful team of teachers. You've helped make these women's lives a little more joyful and you've given them something to look forward to each week.

Thank you, and Happy Christmas. From all of us!