Our Winter Newsflash

Thank you for being part of our journey and for supporting the incredible work we do together throughout the year. Read on for an update on our recent candlelit vigil events and our Christmas opening hours.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls

In November, our three candlelit vigils saw us marching the streets of North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bristol to mark the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, and launching the 16 Days of Activism.

A massive thank you to everyone who came to honour and remember all those who have been harmed by domestic abuse and sexual violence. It was a privilege to march together. We’re still feeling inspired, grateful and proud!

South Gloucestershire vigil

Our event in Kingswood was the biggest South Gloucestershire event to date!

Around 70 of us marched from the civic centre to Kingswood Park bandstand where we heard passionate and heartfelt speeches from Cllr Alison Evans and Cllr Sean Rhodes, and moving powerful poetry written by one of the survivors we’ve supported. Thank you to the local council for supporting the event – it was a valuable reminder of the importance in coming together in our local communities to call for an end to male violence against women.

North Somerset vigil

A special mention to the Soroptimists for leading the North Somerset vigil in Weston-super-Mare along with all our North Somerset partners. We heard from Ruth, a Weston Soroptimist, Cllr Owen James, and moving poetry from one of the incredibly brave survivors we support in North Somerset. As always, the Soroptimists’ commitment and ongoing support is invaluable for the victims and survivors we help through our service – thank you all!

Bristol vigil

At our biggest event, in Bristol, following the march down Park Street, our crowd of around 200 people gathered on College Green. It was incredible to be in a safe, supportive space surrounded by wonderful people including victims, survivors and the men who are allies too.

Cllr Carole Johnson’s moving and powerful speech was followed by incredible poetry and music from some of the survivors we’ve supported. It was an honour and privilege to hear all your moving words. We thank you for being brave in speaking up and reaching out for support – we are in awe of our resilience and strength.

All the supporters, our partner organisations, staff, volunteers, council members and speakers helped make all the events a great success and we’re so grateful we can give the campaign the voice it deserves.