INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY EVENT RAISES MORE THAN £500 FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE CHARITY

An International Women’s Day event held in Swindon and supported by many local business women has raised more than £500 for Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service.

The event was hosted by spiritual business coach Samantha Jayne who has an established coaching company in the town. It’s the second year she’s run an event for International Women’s Day. This year’s event was held at The Sun Inn at Coate Water. 

“I believe that it’s important to celebrate every win in business,” Samantha said. “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.” (or similar)

The event featured several keynote speakers including Samantha herself, former Paralympic wheelchair tennis player Louise Hunt Skelley PLY, co-founder of Black Nova Designs (event sponsor) 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 fund-raising 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.” 

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. 

For more information about Samantha Jayne, the host of this event, visit https://samantha-jayne.co.uk