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Hello Everyone! Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.   A sky dive is something I have always wanted to do but then never had the courage to go through with it. However a family member as thrown down the gauntlet and asked me to do it to raise funds for North Kent Women’s Aid, so how could I refuse! So I am now doing my bit and I need you to do yours by sponsoring me.     I want all children and young people to have the opportunity to have a happy and peaceful childhood like I had - SO – this is what I am aiming to raise funds for….. services for children and young people in refuge.   When families flee domestic abuse, the first thing is to make them SAFE and North Kent Women’s Aid do a wonderful job of that!  What is less well publicised is the after-effects for both mums and their children which are many …..   These children have often witnessed (or been part of) very disturbing events and have suddenly been removed from everything/everyone they know - to be in a place of safety.  This includes relatives, friends, school, favourite toys and not least their father for whom they will often have complex feelings.  They arrive in refuge with many powerful emotions (eg, fear, anger, guilt, loss) which need urgent attention.  There will also be conflicting feelings around Mum (anger, protectiveness, helplessness) who herself will be experiencing a confusion of strong emotions.  Unattended, the long term results are potentially very damaging to both the child who they are now and the adult they will become – and their future relationships.  When they arrive, new schools have to be found for them, relationships made with people who they can trust, trauma counselling provided, etc – so that they can thrive for often the first time.  And not to be forgotten is the added bonus for Mum of seeing their child happy again.  This also means that she is much more likely to stay in her new place of safety instead of returning home placing herself and her family at risk.    Unfortunately, all these services cost money and funding cuts are hitting charities very hard this year.  Please  help me to help these children and young people find peace of mind and have the opportunity to develop into the healthy and happy young people they deserve to be and dig deep into your hearts and your Just Giving pockets!!   Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.   Thank you so much, Kate

Katie Austin is taking a 12,000 feet sky dive for North Kent Women Aid

Katie Austin is taking a 12,000 feet sky dive for North Kent Women Aid

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