We can’t believe we are in the third month of 2020 already… time really does fly when you’re having fun!
And, something we absolutely love to do and get involved with, are Annual Awareness Days – whether it’s sharing useful health tips or raising awareness of what’s going on in our local community!
An awareness day which we are getting involved with is International Women’s Day, on the 8th of March, which is a celebration that is observed across the world each year and recognises the achievements of women, past, present and future. The Haven, who for over 45 years has supported women and children affected by domestic abuse and homelessness in the City, wants you to join in celebration by taking part in their Empurple Week campaign.
Let’s learn more about The Haven and find out how the Paycare team will be getting involved!
What is Empurple Week?
Purple is the International recognised colour for campaigns that take a stand against domestic abuse. Purple symbolises justice and dignity – two values strongly associated with women’s equality. Empurple means ‘to colour or become purple’ and with International Women’s Day being on the 8th March, The Haven wanted to extend the celebration into a week’s worth of purple-centric fun!
By embracing Empurple Week, you will be supporting vulnerable women and children in our shared community and helping The Haven to raise much needed funds to support service users to rebuild their lives following the trauma of domestic abuse.
Paycare go Purple!
Of course, our wonderful Paycare team here at Paycare HQ will be getting creative with the theme and hosting a ‘wear something purple to work’ (photos pending!). Our team will be sporting all the shades; from vibrant violet to luscious lilac in support of a charity that is close to our teams’ hearts. At Paycare, we have strongly supported the work of The Haven for several years; from taking on a 100ft abseil to hosting football matches – we’ve done it all! Most recently, we even committed to funding the live chat facility on The Haven’s website – something which we are extremely proud of! This is a vital tool in today’s technological world; one that gives women access to lifesaving support in escaping abuse.
How can you get involved?
There are so many things you can do, and you can be as creative as you like. So, whether you’re a bit of a Mary Berry and want to host a purple themed bake sale, or, like us here at Paycare, want to get your best purple outfits out – all ideas big or small will go such a long way in raising awareness and improving the lives of women and children affected by domestic abuse in Wolverhampton.
The Haven have an information pack brimming with purple centric ideas, so why not order your free copy and get planning your own purple themed events at your school, home or work?! The team at The Haven will be delighted to talk through your ideas and support you with bunting and buckets to make your event extra special. You can get in touch with the team on 01902 904677 or email give@havenrefuge.org.uk – if you are planning Empurple week events, don’t forget to use the hashtags #EmpurpleWeek2020 #IWD2020 and tag @TheHavenWton in on social media 😊
Here they are! Check out the Paycare team embracing #EmpurpleWeek 💜😊
More about The Haven and why your support is vital…
1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 children will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. 2 women are murdered by their current or ex-partner in the UK every single week, and an additional 3 women a week will take their own lives through no longer being able to cope with the torment they are being subjected to. Domestic abuse knows no boundaries of race, religion, disability or class. It is not limited to physical violence, and includes emotional, sexual and financial abuse too.
When women and children arrive at The Haven, it can often be with nothing more than the clothes on their backs, having had to flee for their safety at a moment’s notice. Going from being surrounded by everything they know to having none of their personal possessions in a strange environment away from home can be very daunting. The Haven provide a range of support services to help women and children develop practical and emotional skills, rebuild their confidence as well as overcome the trauma they have been through. These services include a 24/7 telephone helpline and live chat support; a range of emergency accommodation and dispersed safe housing supporting 62 women and 100 children at any one time (sadly they are always full), community support for a minimum of 85 families at any one time, court advocacy; children’s dedicated services; financial inclusion, benefits and immigration support; resettlement and life-skills and counselling and holistic therapies.
Ultimately, The Haven are there as a lifeline to women and children in dire need and give them the strength, safety and resources to move forward as a family to a life free from abuse.