Wolverhampton, UK – April 23rd 2020 – The Haven launches urgent appeal for donations as it faces impact of COVID-19 pandemic
The Haven has launched an urgent appeal for public donation as it faces the huge financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The Wolverhampton based organisation is asking the public to donate as little as £2, which could cover the cost of a helpline call from a woman in danger while in isolation.
The organisation which supports and houses women and children who are vulnerable to domestic abuse is concerned that women now have no choice but to isolate in high risk, life threatening conditions. This offers abusers full power and control over women without the intervention or support of friends, loved ones, and colleagues.
“These are unprecedented times,” says Chief Executive Popinder Kaur. “We are worried that enforced isolation is putting many women at risk. We have adapted the way that we work, and we are doing everything that we can to ensure that women who need us, know that we are still here for them.”
The Haven has launched a social media campaign using the hashtag justasSCARY, to raise awareness of the risks of social distancing to women in abusive relationships, and to remind the general public that their services are still available and accessible.
This is despite the fact that the organisation has experienced a significant loss of funding needed to ensure that services such as their 24-hour helpline and live chat facility can continue to support women and their children at a time when they need them the most.
“Our services rely heavily on funds generated from our busy calendar of fundraising events, corporate and community fundraising support and sponsored events such as marathons and bike rides; all of which we have sadly had to cancel for the foreseeable future due to the COVID-19 outbreak,” says fundraising manager Jade Secker.
There have been reports of a significant increase in domestic abuse incidents since social distancing measures were implemented and many women will be in dire need of The Haven’s services. “Our helpline is still ringing, our refuges continue to provide safe emergency accommodation, and the women in refuge are still receiving essential therapeutic support – but we need help now to keep going,” pleads Jade Secker.
It has been all hands on deck for The Haven as the charity encourages supporters to assist their fundraising efforts through sponsored virtual events. Local avid runner Laura Cahill was set to run multiple marathons this year to raise vital funds for The Haven. She is now completing a sponsored Virtual Rainbow Run challenge towards the relief fund. Black Country Graphics Designer Emily Benton of Emily Creates is donating 100% of the profits from her Wash Your Donnies print to this appeal. In addition, domestic violence survivor Jodie Philpotts will be taking part in the 2.6 Challenge organised by Virgin Money Giving, as she performs 2020 kickboxing strikes back to back in her garden, live streaming the event on her Facebook page to raise much needed funds towards The Haven’s COVID-19 Relief fund.
A donation of £10 could provide vital supplies for one family, while a donation of £100 could ensure that a woman has the support she needs to plan for her safety. If you would like to make a donation please visit: bit.ly/havencovidrelief.
To find out more about virtual fundraising for The Haven or to order your prints, contact The Haven’s Facebook page or email give@havenrefuge.org.uk
—
ENDS
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Pamilerin Beckley (Architect of Stories, The HAVEN, Wolverhampton)
