Christmas and New Year is a time of joy for many people but it can be difficult for those families impacted on by domestic abuse.

Nearly 130,000 children in Britain will wake up homeless and in temporary accommodation this Christmas as child homelessness reaches a 10-year high.

This may be the safest place for them to be, but they can miss out on Christmas, a festive season that many of us take for granted.

Accord Housing Association manages a number of domestic abuse support services in the Midlands working with 90 families with 200 children at any one time.

As a result of being exposed to prolonged domestic violence, children are at significant risk of physical, emotional and psychological difficulties. This effect can be devastating and long lasting such as poor health and well being and mental health issues.

Significant evidence reveals that prolonged exposure to domestic violence can cause ill-health, poor wellbeing, mental health difficulties including depression and anxiety, difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships, behavioural problems, self-harm; aggression, low confidence and self-esteem. Longer-term health impacts include higher risks of violence, cancer, heart disease, STIs and substance use.

As a service,Accord staff work tirelessly to provide support to children and their families, offering comprehensive support, advocacy, information and advice to empower individuals and families who have experienced, or are currently experiencing domestic abuse.

One of our commitments to these families, is to host a Christmas party for families by working in partnership with other provider across Birmingham.

We are looking to host a Christmas and New Year celebration in December 2018 for 100 families and 200 children. To achieve this, we need to raise £5000 for catering, venue hire, DJ, Santa Claus, entertainment and transport.

This is why we need your help to make Christmas a memorable one for these families.