Fabulous Fundraiser

Over 200 attendees were dancing in the aisles of Christ Church in Old Town as Swindon’s Swing Birds raised the roof of the church with their toe-tapping and energising tunes.

Hosted by Dr Olivia Chapple, the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, the concert is a musical extravaganza to raise money on behalf of Rotary Cares.

Each year, The High Sheriff of Wiltshire hosts a charity concert on behalf of Rotary Swindon Cares, the fundraising arm of the Rotary Club of Swindon.   The money raised will support women, men and children who are experiencing and fleeing from domestic abuse in Swindon.

It is estimated that 1 in 5 people will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime and SDASS works with victims and perpetrators to make a positive change in their lives.   The money will be used to support the charity’s range of community support service, its dedicated refuge service and its dedicated telephone advice line that’s manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  On average it costs £357 to provide a victim with a counselling assessment followed by six one-to-one sessions to begin their counselling support journey.

Nicky Alberry, Chair of SDASS and Rotary member responsible for organising the concert, said: “This year’s concert was a wonderful evening of music seeing everyone up and dancing in the aisles was fantastic.  The Swing Birds were great and we’re very grateful to all those who attended, sent donations and advertised in the programme.

“The work that SDASS does across Swindon is imperative in keeping victims of domestic abuse safe and providing women, men, and children with the support they need to regain their lives and live without fear.”

The High Sheriff of Wiltshire Dr Olivia Chapple OBE said “I am so grateful to everyone who bought tickets and generously donated to the concert to make the fundraising evening such a success. My thanks also go to the brilliant Swing Birds and everyone who volunteered their time so kindly. It’s wonderful to have raised so much to help support the important work of Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service.”

If you need advice for yourself or a friend relating to Domestic Abuse, call the confidential 24/7 Helpline, which is always answered by an Advisor, on 01793 610610.

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Editor’s notes – for additional information please contact Eleanor Butler, Vox PR, on 07775 943 085 or eleanor@voxonline.co.uk

ABOUT SDASS:  Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service is free and confidential, serving Swindon and the surrounding area. Our service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, supporting ALL victims of domestic violence.

Originally founded in 1974 as Swindon Women’s Aid, SDASS operates a purpose-built secure refuge with 22 individual flats which can accommodate lone females or mothers with dependent children and has a dedicated team of trained staff. In the community SDASS has a network of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) who work with victims not staying in the Refuge, and have Advisors within the Great Western Hospital, Doctor Surgeries and Health Centres across the town.

A specialist Children and Young People’s team supports the specific needs of children both within the Refuge and also in the Community.  Our Training Programmes not only help victims understand their situation to help them move forward but also provide general education to young people about healthy relationships.

Increased emphasis is being placed on prevention and a new team has been established to advise those who have concerns about their behaviour and its impact on their relationships.

Our fundraising shop in the Parade in Swindon is open 6 days a week, staffed entirely by volunteers – quality donations always welcome.

Our dedicated helpline – 01793 610610 – is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The phone is always answered by an advisor.