Charity Ball

Last September, Friends of Refuge Kids, held the second successful Charity Ball at Orsett Hall, Thurrock, to raise much needed funds for children who are resident in our refuges. These children have often been subjected to physical, mental and sexual abuse and need to leave their home and familiar environment, sometimes in fear for their own safety as well as that of their mother. Sometimes the family arrives with little more than the clothes they are standing up in, leaving all possessions behind.

The events planning team are pleased to announce that in an effort to raise further funds this year we have arranged another Charity Ball on Friday, 16th September 2011 at Orsett Hall, in aid of the families at our refuge. This fabulous evening will be another prestigious event giving the opportunity to support children whose lives have been affected by abuse.

We aim to raise more funds towards activities for children resident in refuge accommodation and we would be pleased to provide more information to anyone who may be able to help. The activities have included therapeutic projects but also fun events and trips as many of the children have never enjoyed a holiday break or day out without stress and upset. Following last year’s Ball, work on improving play facilities at the refuge has commenced and the children have enjoyed many fun activities and seasonal parties, unfortunately we are facing huge cuts to our funding from April 2011 making our fundraising events more important than ever.

We are, once again, offering companies and individuals the opportunity to purchase a ticket or table, sponsor parts of the evening or provide an item for auction or raffle. Whilst any donations will be most welcome, any unusual or exclusive items will be particularly suitable for auctioning. Every sponsor will be acknowledged in all literature relating to the event. An evening programme booklet is provided for everyone attending and will show full details of all those who have been kind enough to assist us with making a difference.

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The Thorndon Jogglers charity bike ride from John O’Groats to Lands End (JOGLE)

The riders, all from the Thorndon Park Running Club in Brentwood, are Malcolm Bishton, John Hughes, Ken Payne, Paul Richardson, Colin Smith, Mark Starling & Nick Wilkinson with a support crew of Bob & Betty Mansfield and Fran Wilkinson.  They are cycling from John O’Groats to Lands End, covering over 1,000 miles in only 11 days, and hoping to raise money for charity in the process.

Their ride will start at John O’Groats on the 12th June 2011 and finish at Lands End on 22nd June.

The money they raise will be divided equally between their chosen charities – Basildon Women’s Aid, Diabetes UK & Fragile X.…

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Training Days

At Basildon Women’s Aid we are proud of our reputation for hosting domestic abuse conferences that challenge our delegates and broaden their knowledge of all aspects of gender based violence. Our programme for 2011 is entitled ‘Hidden in plain sight’. The 2011 keynote speakers are at the forefront of national and local domestic abuse issues.

Once again the training sessions are aimed at individuals and organisations and provide comprehensive local, regional and international information and networking. Intended for professionals and service providers from the statutory and voluntary sectors, the 2011 Training Sessions are designed to raise awareness of the dynamics and diversity that have an impact on domestic abuse victims and the community.

All our sessions feature the services that are available to victims (and perpetrators) and how YOU can make a positive difference.…

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