Sequins and festive outfits raise over £600

The catwalk was filled with stylish seasonal outfits including Christmas
jumpers, party fashion, Christmas pyjamas and everything you’d need to kit out an entire
wedding party.

Over £600 was raised on the evening, through a combination of ticket sales, a raffle with
prizes donated by local businesses and a thoughtfully curated selection of clothes and
Christmas goods for sale. This money will go directly to support programmes for local children
and young people who are impacted by domestic abuse.

With programmes specially designed for 5 – 18 years, the charity works with young people to
provide trauma-informed support to aid the recovery of children who have experienced
domestic abuse. Children who are from homes where domestic abuse has taken place can
show the effects of this trauma long into adulthood, and can be at risk of using abusive
behaviours themselves, and so it is crucial to provide the right support to aid recovery and
achieve the best possible outcomes for the future.

SDASS/SWA also works with schools across Swindon to deliver the HOPE Programme,
providing lessons and workshops on healthy relationships to young people.

Emma Maclennan, CYP Manager, said: “This was a wonderful evening that will make a real
difference to Swindon’s children and young people in order to help victims of domestic abuse
in their recovery and to educate the next generation so that we can look forward to a future
society without abuse.

“The fashion show was a great opportunity to showcase the quality donations we receive in
our shop and to provide fashionistas with the opportunity to grab some festive bargains and do
good at the same time. We hope to make these a regular seasonal feature, and we’ve also
got a number of other great fundraising activities planned for 2025!”

If you need advice for yourself or a friend relating to Domestic Abuse, call the Swindon-wide
domestic abuse helpline on 01793 610610.