Lucy, Danusia and Deetz with paint rollers

This week I took part in my first community action day with the CMPP and Your Sanctuary, a Surrey based charity supporting people experiencing domestic abuse.

Offering a safe haven, support and empowerment to anyone affected by domestic abuse, staff and volunteers provide a vital ear to listen as well as information, emotional and practical support for as long as they’re needed.

Making a positive change

Requiring help with painting, on Tuesday Danusia, Deetz and I, took paintbrush to hand to help paint two bedrooms in a safe house for women and their children fleeing domestic abuse, and in a small way make the ladies that live there feel a little more at home.

All self-confessed rookies when it comes to decorating, we had another volunteer, Roz on hand to help complete the rooms in time. Usually offering her services as a gardener once or twice a month, Roz is no stranger to volunteering for the charity – creating a beautifully peaceful garden for mothers to sit and socialise, and children to play in safety.

Deetz painting around a window

Proud

With tea and biscuits flowing, we tackled the job like pros, if I do say so myself. Taking a wall each then helping to “edge” (a new term for us) for one another, I’m so proud of the work we did in getting two rooms complete in a morning. 60 Minute Makeover eat your heart out!
Looking fresher and far more welcoming, it’s my sincere hope that the family living in the biggest room of the two enjoy the space – and are happy with our handy work.

I’m so pleased to have taken part, especially as painting and decorating novices, I also feel very humbled and privileged to have given back to such a worthy cause. Thankful too for the incredible hospitality shown from the staff that run and manage the house, as well as the women and children who live there.

For a life without fear

The team holding Your Sanctuary folders

Often arriving at the house with one suitcase of belongings or sometimes just the clothes they’re standing in, it would have been understandable for the women to feel uncomfortable with our presence – they don’t know us after all. But they were happy to stop and chat and intrigued to find out what we were doing. We even got to meet an adorable seven week old baby.

In awe of their strength and determination, this day will stay with me for a long time. Hopefully there will be another opportunity to get involved and give back more.

TVision are on the Woking Steering Committee of the CMPP. Learn more and request volunteers for your Community Action Day activity here.

Read Danusia’s blog about the inaugural Community Action Day (formerly known as Give and Get Days).

By Marketing Campaigns Assistant, Lucy Da Silva

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