Wolverhampton charity appeal helps provide children affected by domestic abuse with back-to-school essentials
Children affected by domestic abuse have been given a back-to-school boost thanks to a successful donation campaign by a city charity.
Seventy backpacks filled with back-to-school essentials like water bottles, stationery, and uniform have been donated to children and mothers supported by The Haven Wolverhampton, a women’s aid organisation and the city’s leading domestic abuse charity.
Its recent ‘Back To School Appeal’ saw donations from individuals and organisations such as Fairway Healthcare, Embark Learning, Jointing Tech, Salisbury Poultry, Safran, and Midland Metro Alliance.
A spokeswoman for The Haven said: "Many women and children come into The Haven's safe accommodation with nothing more than the clothes on their back.
"Research shows that as many as 95 per cent of victims and survivors of domestic abuse are also subjected to financial and economic abuse.
"This means they often have little or no access to money or necessities, leaving them extremely disadvantaged.
"For children starting at a new school, or a new year at school, it can be daunting, not least for those who have experienced abuse.
"The ‘Back To School Appeal’ ensures that families have the essentials for school; children can feel confident, included, and ready to learn, while mums can be relieved of financial pressure and the emotional impact it can bring."
The appeal has had a positive impact on the wellbeing of children and mothers within The Haven’s safe accommodation and community outreach services.
One mum, with no current access to benefits and little money for essentials, said she found the school bags a huge support to her and her children were pleased.
A 19-year-old who is studying medicine at college received a bag and said she was overwhelmed by the support and that it encouraged her for her studies.
One girl, aged 15, who received a backpack and essentials, said: “Perfect, I needed a new bag!” and another girl, aged five, said: “I really like it. Thank you.”
On receiving a backpack for her child, one mum said: “Thank you so much for the bag as it is exactly what my daughter needed. She was so made up with all the pens and stuff. Thank you.”
Anna Pendlebury, fundraising and grants lead at The Haven Wolverhampton, said: "We are so grateful of the ‘Back To School Appeal’ donations.
"Many children arrive at The Haven having had their lives turned completely upside down and fleeing abuse for their safety [which] has meant they’ve left behind their homes and sometimes their schools.
"Providing children with a backpack and school essentials not only gives them the items to support their learning, but also the dignity and pride that every child deserves.
"Thanks to our supporters, including Fairway Healthcare, Embark Learning, Salisbury Poultry, Jointing Tech, Safran, Midland Metro Alliance, and every individual who supported us, as these children are given the best start as they head back to school this September.
"We are truly thankful to our donors for making such a huge impact on the children's first day of school."
Alex O’Neill, head of operations at Fairway Healthcare, said: “We are thrilled to support The Haven’s ‘Back To School Appeal’.
"This support is more necessary than ever, as it has been reported that school costs on average around £1,000 for a primary school child and £2,300 for a secondary school pupil per year when taking uniform, food, technology, and other learning essentials into account.
“The work The Haven’s doing is truly changing lives, both for children and mothers, and we look forward to continuing to support the charity.”
The Haven Wolverhampton has now launched its Christmas Appeal, calling for winter warmer essentials for the comfort of the women and children it supports.
Find out more at the Haven Christmas Appeal website or email give@havenrefuge.org.uk for more details.
