How can you help families this summer?

We know the impact of domestic abuse on children can last a lifetime. What children see, what children hear and what they might experience can be truly terrifying. 

For a child, fleeing the family home as a result of domestic abuse often means a new home in an unfamiliar place, probably a new school, new friends and a change to their routine to ensure their safety and the safety of their parent or carer. 

Although free from the dangers of an abusive home, children who join us at the refuge face a huge adjustment; to understand the relocation, to get used to the change to the family dynamic and forming new trusted relationships with other children and with professionals surrounding them. 

Our Milton Keynes based refuge has a specialist Children and Young People’s team who support families with navigating their new setting, helping to access education, counselling support, access to medical care and SEND provision when needed.  

-1 in 5 children in the UK have lived with an adult perpetrating domestic abuse. 

 –78% of children living with domestic abuse are directly harmed by the perpetrator of the abuse as well as from witnessing abuse at home. 

 –Domestic abuse can have long-lasting effects on children’s well-being and development. It’s crucial to provide support and resources for both the children and the adults involved in these situations to ensure their safety and recovery. 

-Children who stay at the refuge in Milton Keynes are of all ages, from newborns to 16 years old, they can be living at the refuge for up to 2 years. 

How can you help children whose worlds are temporarily turned upside down? 

You can give the gift of adventure in the school holidays.  

Here are some ideas the children have suggested they would like to do in the school holidays: 

Cinema vouchers 

£8 will gift a child a trip to the cinema, to watch their favourite characters on the big screen on a rainy day. 

Outdoor mini golf 

£9 will provide a round of crazy golf suitable aged 3 and above out in the fresh air. 

Farm trip vouchers  

£10 will cover the cost of entry for a child to have a day out at the farm learning about animals and exploring the play area. 

Zoo trip 

£24 will gift a whole day long trip to the zoo for an excited child to see the reptiles, birds and furry animals up close. 

These activities will support children to do the things that make their heart sing and very importantly have lots of fun and laughter! 

Give the gift of some much needed summer holiday fun.

 (Source: Refuge/Safer Lives)