CYFANNOL WOMEN'S AID

This Christmas, our refuges are sparkling with Tinsel Trees and magical Elf Doors, spreading joy and festive cheer to everyone staying with us!     This time of year can be difficult for many, but together we’re creating safe spaces filled with love, laughter and hope.     Wishing you all a safe and happy Christmas from everyone at Cyfannol Women’s Aid!  

A huge thank you to Business in the Community and The Celtic Manor Resort for generously providing 17 ice-skating tickets for people we're supporting this Christmas. Everyone who took part had a blast - what a fantastic experience! 

Abuse doesn’t take a holiday.    While our Hwb services will be closed from 25th December to 1st January, support is always available.     Please note that our Blaenau Gwent Hwb based within Ebbw Vale Institute and Newport Hwb is closed from end of the day on Friday 20th December and then re-opens on Thursday 2nd January.      📞 The Live Fear Free helpline is open 24/7 throughout the festive season. You can call or text for confidential support anytime: Call: 0808 80 10 800 or Text: 078600 77333     There are also other support numbers available for those in need this Christmas:  Samaritans - Call 116 123  Childline - Call 0800 1111  Mental health helpline for Wales - Call 0800 132 737 or text 81066  Mental Health support - Text 'Shout' to 85258  Campaign Against Living Miserably - Call 0800 58 58 58    You’re not alone—help is just a phone call away. 

Festive Creativity Across Cyfannol! 🎄     This festive season, both our refuge and exploitation teams have been getting crafty with wreath-making sessions! Using real, natural materials like pine branches, holly, and berries—some thoughtfully sourced by our staff—women across our spaces embraced the festive spirit while creating their own unique designs. 

Here’s to the final Thank You Thursday of 2024! 🎉 A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who has donated to us this Christmas season. Your generosity is bringing hope and joy to women and children who’ve faced so much this year. 💖 We can’t wait to share the Christmas magic with those who need it most! 

Yesterday was the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, a day to remember those lost to violence, raise awareness and promote solidarity.     Within Cyfannol Women's Aid, our Horizon Exploitation Support Service is a specialist project dedicated to supporting adults and young people who are currently experiencing, or are at risk of, sexual or financial exploitation.    For more information, please visit our website - https://lnkd.in/ezaZNM55    #IDEVASW 

What is Sexual Assault?     Sexual assault is any act of physical, psychological, or emotional violation through a sexual act, inflicted on someone without their consent. It can involve forcing or manipulating someone to witness or participate in sexual acts against their will.     No one should have to tolerate this behaviour.     If it happens to you or someone you know, speak up and seek support. The Live Fear Free Helpline is also available 24/7:    Call: 0808 80 10 800  Text: 078600 77333 

Our teams are spreading festive cheer by decking the halls with Christmas decorations and trees across our Hwbs and refuge spaces!    To bring some Christmas joy to adults and children we’re supporting. 

Eco-Friendly Workshop Fun! 🌿     Our staff recently hosted a workshop in one of our refuge spaces, teaching eco-friendly cleaning tips and wooden utensil care.      It was a great session filled with practical, sustainable ideas to inspire greener living. 

On December 5th, our incredible community of supporters came together to create 50 self-care hampers for women spending Christmas in our refuges. With over 1,000 donated items, these hampers were created with love, warmth and hope. 💝✨     A huge thank you to everyone who donated to our Hampers of Hope appeal, our sponsors HR Dept, Everett Tomlin Lloyd & Pratt, Newport Female Runners’ Network, and Whitehead's Sports & Social Club for making this possible. Together, we’ve brought joy and comfort to women who need it most in Gwent this Christmas.    Read press coverage of this event: https://bit.ly/49z8hDl