Everybody deserves to have a safe, happy childhood. Unfortunately not everyone does.

Help us to send refuge families on a day trip to the seaside this summer so that they can make new, joyful memories.

Starting again after trauma

When children first arrive at refuge they can be frightened, confused, angry and traumatised. They have very often witnessed domestic abuse and violence or have been abused themselves.

Sometimes their mother has hidden the abuse she’s been experiencing to protect her family. These children may not understand why they have had to leave their friends and old lives behind to move into refuge, and can initially find the experience disorientating and upsetting.

New, fun activities and experiences can help children feel safe and grounded again.

A safe, welcoming place to heal

Black Country Women’s Aid refuges are not just safe spaces for people fleeing domestic abuse, sexual violence and modern slavery. They are clean, warm and welcoming places for families to heal together.

When a family arrives at refuge they are given new bedding, a food parcel, essential toiletries and toys to help them settle in straight away. We offer everyone who comes to refuge a wide range of support to help them stabilize, recover from trauma, overcome challenges and restart their lives. Activities and days out that families can enjoy together also help turn victims into survivors.

Making memories by the seaside

Safety is our top priority. Children who live in refuge can’t ask friends around for play dates and miss out on family holidays, so it is important to give them a summer experience to enjoy and share with classmates when they return to school.

Some children in refuge have never been to the seaside. A day trip to the coast is a fantastic opportunity for families to bond and have fun together in a special setting.

Donate to our Bucket and Spade Appeal

• £3 will buy a child an ice cream on the beach

• £5 will pay for a picnic lunch

• £15 will pay for a beach toy set for a family to make sandcastles

• £25 will buy a family fish and chips to enjoy on the promenade

Please give what you can

Please donate here and help a child in refuge enjoy a day by the seaside.