Solace Women's Aid

Solace, a leading specialist charity in the UK supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence, have launched an appeal to raise money for their children’s play service in their refuges across London.  

We supports nearly 30,000 women and children every year in London alone, with over 1,000 women and children entering their refuges every year. 1 in 7 children will experience domestic abuse and the impact of this can be long-lasting. The impact of the cost of living crisis means Solace are seeing more and more children arriving with nothing.  Ariminta Lawless, Solace Play Worker said “My role really is to let the children play. Children need to feel safe to be able to play. But lots of children I see haven’t had the right environment to be able to do this. I create a space where they can be completely themselves.” 

Beth Rollings, Campaigns & Community Manager said “Many children experiencing or witnessing abuse are forced to grow up too quickly. Solace Play Workers give children the safe space to simply play. Often, they are forced to flee their homes, sometimes at a moment's notice, leaving behind cherished toys, clothing and other essentials. After such upheaval, Play Workers provide that safe space to learn to be free and to play again. This appeal will allow us to continue the incredible work of our Play Workers, buy new toys and equipment, and allow us to organise trips over the summer holidays” 

 We need to make sure children have the space to grow, be creative and most of all have fun! It's key to recovering from trauma and fundamental for every child's development. Help them play again by supporting this year's summer appeal.

[Beth has consented to her name appearing in full]

Links:

• Hollie's Story