Local business donates £1,000 to fund a summer day out for women and children supported by Vale Domestic Abuse Services
Women and children supported by Vale Domestic Abuse Services (Vale DAS) have enjoyed a special summer day out at Fonmon Castle, thanks to a £1,000 donation from Cardo.
The donation covered the full cost of a day out for 12 women and their 17 children, giving families the opportunity to spend valuable time together, enjoy new experiences and create positive memories during the summer holidays.
For families rebuilding their lives after domestic abuse, the six-week summer break can bring additional pressures. Many women supported by Vale DAS have left abusive relationships and are rebuilding their lives from scratch, often while managing the emotional and practical impact of abuse. With the rising cost of living, finding the money for family days out and activities can also be difficult.
For children who have experienced domestic abuse, opportunities to spend positive, relaxed time with their mums can be particularly valuable. Time away from the pressures of everyday life can help strengthen family relationships, reduce isolation and support wellbeing and recovery.
The summer day out is part of Vale DAS’s wider work to provide trauma-informed, survivor-centred support that recognises recovery is about more than crisis intervention. Alongside specialist support, counselling and therapeutic programmes, the charity provides opportunities for women and children to reconnect, build confidence, develop support networks and experience positive moments together.
Cardo’s donation is the latest in a long-standing partnership with Vale DAS. The business has supported the charity for more than two years, including sponsoring its inaugural Gala Dinner and funding an annual DIY and home maintenance course for women supported by Vale DAS, delivered in partnership with Cardiff & Vale College.
The 10-week DIY course gives women the opportunity to develop practical skills and confidence in their own homes, with previous participants reporting positive impacts on their wellbeing and independence. The course is one example of how partnerships with local businesses can create opportunities that directly respond to the needs identified by survivors.
Vicky Friis, Chief Executive of Vale Domestic Abuse Services, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Cardo for their continued commitment to standing with survivors and their families here in the Vale. What makes their support particularly meaningful is the way they approach their partnership with us. They take the time to ask what would make the greatest difference to the women and children we support, rather than assuming what people need.
“That survivor centred approach has enabled us to provide opportunities that support women and children not only to feel safe, but to rebuild their lives, reconnect and experience moments of joy together. For families who may have very little financial flexibility after leaving abuse, being able to enjoy a day out together can make a real, lasting difference.
“We rely heavily on the generosity of our partners, local businesses and the wider community to help us provide the wellbeing opportunities that sit alongside our specialist support. Cardo have consistently demonstrated what meaningful community partnership can look like, and we are hugely grateful for everything they have done, and continue to do, to stand with survivors in the Vale.”
Rhydian James, Managing Director Cardo Wales & West, said:
“At Cardo, we believe that supporting our communities means more than simply providing practical help. It’s about helping people feel supported, valued and able to create positive memories together. We are incredibly proud to support Vale DAS and the important work they do for women and families affected by domestic abuse. We hope this family day provided an opportunity for mothers and their children to enjoy time together, have fun and simply make happy memories in a safe and supportive environment. Being able to play a small part in making that possible means a great deal to us.”
Vale DAS believes that life can be different for survivors of domestic abuse and their children. The charity works alongside survivors to support them to create safe, fulfilled lives, while ensuring their voices and experiences inform the services and opportunities it provides.
The charity continues to work with businesses, community organisations and other partners across the Vale to develop meaningful opportunities that respond to survivors’ needs and help create lasting change.