As we reflect upon the last year, there have been many challenges we have faced here at A Way Out. We navigated our way through the aftermath of the global pandemic, and the many changes that it imposed on us as a charity. We had to continue to adapt to meet the needs of our clients, while supporting many of our staff who diligently enabled our service to continue as they adapted to hybrid working. We also had our A Way Out vehicle stolen, which added pressure on our service, especially at this time of year when we use it to deliver essential parcels at Christmas time.
For many of the women, girls, young people, and families we support, Christmas isn’t the magical picture that is painted across our television screens. The reality of Christmas can mean time spent at home, indoors with an abuser. It can be the added stress of trying to provide a Christmas for the family without the financial means to do so. It can be the reminder of how much has been lost through many different circumstances. Christmas can be a time of fear, loneliness, and isolation. Being able to support clients in the run up to Christmas is critical when they may feel they have no one else. We are a consistent support service that is here for them.
It is essential that the work we do continues to grow from strength to strength in the New Year. We would like to say huge thank you to each of you who have supported us over this time, and the many who donated to our Christmas campaign who have ensure our clients will receive a gift, food and have their needs met this Christmas. For more information about A Way Out please visit www.awayout.co.uk or contact info@awayout.co.uk.
By Hannah Dodsworth