I wanted to share why I'm raising funds for Refuge, and it's a deeply personal journey that's brought me here.

In 2020, my life took a dramatic turn. In January, I lost my father to a sudden heart attack. Just as we were coping with this loss, March ushered in a global pandemic, disrupting our routines and stability. Trapped in a household full of grief, I had to mute notifications on my phone to escape the constant chatter about the pandemic. At thirty-two, I was unemployed, cynical, and thought things couldn't get worse.

But they did. In December 2020, I lost my brother, marking the loss of all the significant male figures in my life in less than a year. I was on the brink of a deep depression when I encountered the character of Mother. She reached out to me from the depths, holding her hand.

It was her story that saved me. "Oils" began as an interview with a Mother who had survived years of domestic violence. Her strength, determination, and her ability to not only survive but thrive despite the cruelty inspired me to write "Oils.""Oils" won the Bloomsbury 'Freedom of Expression Radio Play Competition' in 2022, and it will soon be showcased as a stage play during the Bloomsbury Festival on October 14th and 15th. Audrey Thayer, the Creative Director of the Drayton Arms Theatre, is the producer, with Kat Kashefi and Matthew Blaney portraying Mother and Father.

The showcase of "Oils" is not just a creative endeavour; it's a platform to raise both funds and awareness for Refuge, a charity close to my heart.

Here's why:

1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime.

Every 30 seconds, the police receive a call for help related to domestic abuse.

Refuge supports thousands of women and their children on any given day.

The story of "Oils" represents just a small fragment of the vast ocean of women who silently battle every day to stay afloat amidst the turbulent waters of domestic abuse. My own grandmother was a survivor of domestic violence, and I am proud to have her name.

I feel truly privileged to have the opportunity to stage "Oils," and I want to express my profound gratitude to Bloomsbury Festival for their unwavering support and encouragement.

In sharing this story and supporting Refuge, I hope to contribute in some small way to raising awareness about the struggles faced by countless women and children and to lend my voice to a cause that urgently needs our attention and support.

Thank you for being a part of this journey.

Best regards,

Jessica Maureen Rachid