In February, I was lucky enough to take part in ‘The Vagina Monologues’ at university, with a group of incredible young women. One of the charities we were raising money for was Leeway, who work with victims of domestic abuse in the Norfolk and Suffolk area.

Throughout the month or so of rehearsals, we as a cast shared our experiences of and opinions on a variety of subjects, and after each rehearsal I found my admiration for these women growing exponentially.

At the performances themselves, we were lucky enough to be met by women from Leeway, UEA FemSoc and Leeway UEA (two societies at my university). Each of these women spoke with such intellect and passion about the cause and the charity. It was after hearing from these women that I felt inspired, driven to go further, to help the amazing charity in whatever way I could.

A bit about Leeway:

Leeway was established in Norfolk 1974 and was a founding member of WAFE (Women’s Aid Federation England). Our service was set up by a group of women who recognised that there was a need for a refuge in Norwich. This became the third known to open in the country. The service started with a small start up grant from the local authority and was run by volunteers on a collective basis. During the 1980’s and 1990’s the service expanded and developed to meet the needs of the women and children, with the establishment of the After School Club and a Resettlement service.

In 1990 a management committee was established and they have the responsibility for the strategic management and direction of Leeway. Leeway’s Chief Executive oversees the day-to-day aspects of the organisation, in conjunction with the three Operational Managers for Residential Services, Community Services and Central Services.

In 2009, Leeway expanded and began operating community services in Suffolk. Leeway also recognised the need to offer a service to male victims of domestic abuse, and two specialist workers were appointed to undertake this work in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Leeway’s primary objective is to offer advice, support and information to adults and children who have or are still experiencing domestic violence. In order to achieve this, we aim to:

• Provide a confidential, specialised, safe, effective and supportive service for adults and children who have experienced any kind of abuse within a domestic/household relationship.
• Empower those who have suffered domestic violence, enabling them to make independent choices and decisions about their lives.
• Work as a team to ensure the continuation, effectiveness and development of the project and help develop an awareness of domestic abuse throughout Norfolk, Suffolk and society as a whole.
• Provide the above service for adults and children in Norfolk and Suffolk, along with those seeking refuge from other areas of England, Scotland, Wales or Ireland (where applicable).

Which leads me to the fundraiser! I will be embarking on my first ever skydive, launching myself out of a plane at 10,000ft. For someone who struggles to stand on a ladder, but is by no means going to be easy!

Please give in any way you can, and help me raise money for this wonderful cause.

Thanks!