Swindon event raises more than £500 for domestic abuse charity

An International Women’s Day event in Swindon raised more than £500 for Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service.

Supported by many local businesswomen, the gathering was hosted by spiritual business coach Samantha Jayne who has an established coaching company in the town. 

It is the second year of her running an event for International Women’s Day, and this year's was at The Sun Inn at Coate Water. 

Samantha said: “I believe that it’s important to celebrate every win in business. For me and for many women, International Women’s Day is a moment to stop, pause and reflect on our personal achievements and also to inspire others in our community in their own businesses, in their professional roles or in their lives."

The event featured several keynote speakers including Samantha herself, former Paralympic wheelchair tennis player Louise Hunt Skelley PLY, co-founder of event sponsor Black Nova Designs Danielle Holmes and founder of the website Cool2bTrans Katie Neeves.

Attendees also spent time networking with fellow business women and finding out about some new businesses in the town. During the day there was a fundraising tombola for the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS).

Jo Eamey, CEO of SDASS, said: “Every penny we raise helps women and men who are in need of support at a very difficult time in their lives. 

"They may be fleeing a toxic situation at home and sometimes they will come to us just in the clothes they are wearing. 

“Domestic abuse is more common than people think and it can take many forms. We do need support from local people and businesses to help women and men in need. 

"We would like to thank Samantha and her amazing guests who all did their bit to raise this money for us.  Events like this are so important for awareness, not only of domestic abuse itself but also of the help that is available.” 

More information about Samantha Jayne can be found at https://samantha-jayne.co.uk 

SDASS is free and confidential, serving Swindon and the surrounding area and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, supporting all victims of domestic violence. It was originally founded 50 years ago as Swindon Women’s Aid. 

It 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 Advisers (IDVAs) who work with victims not staying in the refuge, and has advisers within the Great Western Hospital, GP surgeries and health centres across the town.  

There is also a fundraising shop, Survivor,  in the Parade in Swindon, which is open six days a week and staffed by volunteers.