As a child, you may have been given the opportunity to go to cinema fairly regularly. When the weather warmed up, you might have been able to go to the park for a picnic, or go on a bike ride, or to the beach. When it rained, you may have been kept entertained by arts and crafts or family games.

These are all things that we took for granted. 

For the children in our domestic abuse refuges and safe houses for victims of modern slavery, many of these small tokens of childhood have yet to become possible.

Instead, the joy brought by these simple activities has been replaced with fear, abuse and sadness. Many children arrive at our refuges and safe houses having left their friends and toys behind, and having spent their childhood constantly plagued by worry and confusion. As a result, their relationship with their parent and siblings is broken, and they may find it difficult to trust and build new relationships.

While the kids are off from school, our Summer Play Scheme offers a space for these children to learn how to trust again, and provides time to reconnect with mum over activities and outings.

“The Summer Play Scheme is the beginning of a child realising that there is more to life than what they have already experienced.” – Linsey, Summer Play Scheme Volunteer

This week, all of your donations to our Summer Play Scheme will be doubled thanks to the Big Give’s #SummerChallenge18, meaning your generosity extends even further.

The Summer Play Scheme is 100% funded by you, and with our most ambitious target yet, we need your support now more than ever.

So – where exactly will your money be going?

£15 would provide…

• A picnic in the park with mum (and money for an ice-cream!)
• Equipment for group games, so all children can play together.
• Arts and crafts materials for residents in the refuge to enjoy

£30 would provide…

• A fun-filled trip to the seaside
• Cinema tickets to see the latest blockbuster for mum and her child
• Food and activites for a summer garden party in a refuge

£50 would provide…

• London Zoo, so a child can see their favourite animal for the first time
• Entrance to one of London’s top tourist attractions
• An action-packed afternoon in a soft play area

A big thank you to everyone who has donated so far – you’re all stars!

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