For women living in refuges, this is how we bring Christmas spirit
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‘My children loved the bouncy castle, face painting, Christmas card-making, and food – especially the chocolate fountain,’ the thank-you card read. ‘There were plenty of gifts and I could see the happiness in everyone’s eyes.’. This is the note we received from Sara*, a single mother in her late 20s who came to stay at our refuge last year with her two children.
![[Kalina Shah: Refuge at Christmas]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_234113205-1240.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
She’d escaped an emotionally and financially abusive husband, who had threatened to report her to both social services and immigration authorities if she spoke to anyone about what was happening to her. Sara eventually confided in a friend of hers, who encouraged her to leave the marriage, which is how she arrived at Solace. We are a London-based charity helping to provide accommodation to women and children who are generally at a point of crisis and need urgent support.
We also offer survivors of abuse and sexual violence a range of support, including advice lines, advocacy, therapeutic services, and play therapy for traumatised children. Sara then attended our annual Christmas party last year with her two children and had a lovely time. All while finally feeling safe and secure as a family.
![[Kalina Shah: Refuge at Christmas]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_234113198-4c99-e1734951797363.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=480)
Feedback like Sara’s is exactly why we do the work we do – to offer a sense of normality to survivors, especially during a time of the year that can be very isolating. I started at Solace in February 2018 as a refuge worker, but have since become the service manager for Camden Refuges.
![[Kalina Shah: Refuge at Christmas]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_234113184-1f81.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=640)
