2 Contents: Chair of Trustee’s Report CEO’s Report Refuge Report Community Services Report Training Report Community Fundraising Volunteer’s Report Polstead and Poetry Financial Report Statement of Financial Activities and Auditors Statement Members of the Board Management Team Statistics Report News Highlights Thank you Lighthouse Acknowledgements

Mission Statement: ‘Our mission is to support and empower women and children affected by domestic abuse or violence’ Our aim: ‘We aim to do this by raising awareness, providing a safe, supportive environment and by developing and implementing preventative and therapeutic services’

3 After another very busy year which seems to have gone by in a flash, here I am writing my fourth report as Chair of the Board of Trustees.

At the beginning of the year Louise Thomas resigned from the Trustee Board, and I would like to record my personal thanks for her support and practical advice during her term of office. Each Trustee brings a variety of different skills and experience to the role, with some of them getting involved on a more practical, day to day level. This ranges from volunteering at the Women’s Centre, in such things as admin tasks or helping to facilitate training programmes, to assisting with the updating of policies or sitting on interview panels. Many of the Trustees get involved with awareness raising for the organisation, through giving talks and presentations to interested groups, attending conferences and networking with local business and political contacts.

I would personally like to thank all of the members of the Trustee Board for their valued enthusiasm, encouragement and support during the year.

Notable visitors to Lighthouse during the year have included the High Sheriff of George Vestey and the Mayor of Councillor Jane Riley. With her legal background the Mayor was particularly interested in understanding more about the challenges our service users face in court hearings, particularly in relation to legal aid issues due to delays in the awarding of Universal Credit. In March we were fortunate enough to be shortlisted for of the High Sheriff’s annual awards. Although we didn’t end up winning, we were nevertheless very pleased to be highly commended in the “Suffolk Voluntary Organisation of the Year – Rebuilding Broken Lives” category.

We currently have a very good partnership with one of the Community Rehabilitation Companies, whereby women released from prison or who have received community sentences from court hearings are placed with Lighthouse to either carry out unpaid work or as part of a rehabilitation programme. These women are undertaking tasks such as decorating the Women’s Centre, or helping with sorting out the multitude of donations that we receive, getting items ready for when needed by our

4 service users. We have received excellent feedback from everyone involved as to how beneficial this work is, and how important it is for those women to see that they are undertaking something meaningful and useful.

As ever, funding is a topic which takes a lot of our attention on the Trustee Board, as we strive to secure long term funding, and look for ways to make the organisation more sustainable. We were very pleased to receive the news in February 2019 that our application for a further three year’s funding from the National Lottery for the Women’s Centre had been successful. This sort of long term security helps us to plan for the future on a much stronger basis.

As Sally explains in more detail in her report, the Refuge has continued to be exceptionally busy, as we welcome women and children from all over the country. The Trustees are very pleased to hear the success stories of women who have been helped and supported to move on with their lives and into independent living.

Sadly, during the year we ceased providing the IDVA service, but this has allowed us to focus on other areas of activity, and particularly those where we can generate an income. Our range of training courses and programmes has been extended, and we are going out into the community much more, providing a variety of means of educating people about domestic abuse. I have been particularly pleased to note the success of the Expect Respect programme which has been taken into many Suffolk schools, for both primary and secondary pupils.

It was a very busy year for all of the staff and volunteers, with some experienced people leaving and other staff changes, meaning that sometimes people had to step in and cover or help support colleagues as and when required. On behalf of the Trustee Board I would like to acknowledge the wonderful group of people we have working and volunteering for us across all levels of the organisation, and to say a huge thank you to all of them. They are our most valuable resource, and it is humbling to see how often so many of them will go that extra mile in support of those women and children who come to us when help is needed the most.

Cynthia Glinos, Chair of the Board of Trustees

5

Over the last two years Lighthouse has seen a 24% increase in referrals in to our Women’s Centre and in the last 12 months we have supported 56 women and 91 children fleeing domestic abuse, with emergency accommodation at our Refuge. These figures are startling and indicative of how prevalent domestic abuse remains within our society. There have been times throughout the year when Lighthouse has been overwhelmed with back to back appointments for women and the Refuge has been consistently full. Our skilled and experienced team continue to provide the highest level of support for women, young people and children accessing our services, and women at the end of their support frequently comment that they do not know where they would be now without Lighthouse. They fear the worst. This goes to show how essential it is for an organisation like ours to be there. As well as providing the much needed support for victims of domestic abuse we continue developing early intervention and prevention programmes and courses. As such we have rolled out the Expect Respect programme for 5 to 18 year olds to education establishments across Suffolk. Demand for this programme is growing rapidly. In addition we offer training to external employers and human resource departments in recognising signs of domestic abuse amongst their workforce and how they can support. Again this is training that is increasing in demand. Throughout the year we have also developed our in –house training programme to ensure both staff and volunteers are trained to the highest standard in order to provide the best service. None of what we do would be possible without funding. December 2018 saw the end of a 7 year Big Lottery Grant for our Women’s Centre. However we submitted a proposal for another 3 years funding and were delighted to succeed. This, alongside other grants such as through the Police and Crime Commissioner and Ipswich Borough Council has enabled us to sustain the Centre. In addition much needed donations and fundraising activity, means that the core services within the Centre should be sustainable for the next few years.

6 Although no longer commissioned to run the Suffolk IDVA service, Lighthouse continues to receive a high level of referrals for our services. Our work with female offenders has increased and we are now at capacity for supporting these women who benefit greatly from the services we are able to offer. Despite uncertainty of how probation services will look going forward, we hope we will be able to continue with this invaluable area of work. Our refuge funding through local government is currently secure to 2020. We await the decision about commissioner’s intentions beyond that point and whether indeed refuge services will be put out to tender. These are very uncertain times for Lighthouse, our refuge has historically always been our core service and with the specialist knowledge, skills and expertise of our refuge staff we ensure support is provided at the highest level. In addition we continue to support national campaigns that encourage the government to ensure long term sustainable funding for specialist refuges such as ours. We have consulted on the Draft Domestic Abuse Bill with a view to ensuring victims get the best deal possible from future legislation. At Lighthouse we are proud of our team of staff and volunteers who, without their dedication and commitment, we would not be able to operate to such a high standard or reach as many women, young people and children as we do. Partnerships are important to us and we increasingly work with partners to both fundraise, raise awareness and deliver services. In addition the support we receive from the general public, community groups, organisations and businesses through fundraising, grants and donations is invaluable to us and I would like to thank everyone who, in whatever way, helps to make our organisation what it is today. Sally Winston, Chief Executive

7 This year the Refuge has accommodated 56 women and 91 children. We welcome women of all ages / backgrounds with the most common age bracket being 26-35. However, we were pleased to have supported residents of all age ranges including some over 65’s who had experienced domestic abuse for many years before feeling able to leave. Most of the children coming in to refuge are under 12 and this year we have supported 48 under 5s.

Moving into Refuge is a huge step and making women feel welcome from the start is very important in ensuring that they know that they have made the right decision. Throughout the year rooms have been made welcoming with toiletries, some food basics and age appropriate toy boxes. Welfare Workers are experienced in settling women in and once settled, completing individualised support plans to help support them to address their needs.

As well as the support from the Refuge, women are also able to access support around Domestic Abuse from Lighthouse Community Centre. This gives women the opportunity to complete the Freedom Programme/ Power to Change and be part of the Centre.

Throughout the year we have been keen to work with the wider community to develop women’s skills and an opportunity to make friends. For example, cookery lessons and container gardening are popular courses delivered by Realise Futures at the Refuge, and we are looking to start an IT course. Outside of the Refuge some women have attended English classes and women are always supported to explore what is on offer.

For children and young people, moving into Refuge can be a confusing time. For this reason we have a dedicated Children’s Services Team. For the young children play is really important, and for older children one to one sessions are offered. Support is offered to the women around parenting and giving a chance for them to discuss how their children are doing in Refuge, what they may have witnessed in the abusive relationship and how best to support them in a non judgemental way. The Children’s Service has positive links with Social Care, Schools, Nurseries and Children’s Centres to ensure that children have their needs

8 met and that the women are supported in parenting. We also link in with wider services; a health visitor visits regularly and the Triple P parenting course is delivered from the Refuge.

Christmas and holidays can be a busy time with the Refuge working hard to plan activities. We are lucky to receive so many donations which help us deliver activities and ensure that the women and children have gifts. As we have women and children from different cultures we ensure that we are multi cultural in our approach to what is celebrated.

When women are ready to move on we offer resettlement, for some that will be supporting them move into Ipswich with ongoing support or further afield linking them into their chosen area. As well as utilising our excellent donations again we link in with local agencies to ensure that women have what they need to restart their lives.

We cannot run the Refuge without housekeeping, maintenance, painters and decorators and we have some excellent partnerships to deliver this work and keep the Refuge running smoothly.

I would like to finish with the words of a previous resident who thanked us by saying:

"I don't know where I would be today if it wasn't for you all. You've helped us grow in so many ways, grow into who we are today, who we were meant to be. When we first came to you I was a shell of a person....You helped me see and grow into not only the person I wanted to be but the mother I knew I was deep down"

Jo Bigger, Services Manager

9 Another year where women accessing the services we provide have increased to 1039 compared with 834 in 2016/2017. With Domestic Abuse increasingly in the media spotlight it is so important that there is somewhere where women can go and get advice about Domestic Abuse.

At the Centre we provide Crisis and Advice services for women who are currently in an abusive relationship, needing to flee and seek refuge. In addition we support those who are not ready to leave but who need support around staying safe. We do this through a range of activities, from individual advice sessions and a whole range of courses.

Women can access advice appointments through calling us or by dropping into the Centre. The aim of these sessions is to assess the risk and look at safety planning against this and to enable women to think about their options.

We offer a range of courses and activities from the Centre. Open Café is a drop in session where women can drop in and havea coffee. This has provided invaluable support throughout the year for women so that they can come and talk about domestic abuse with other people who understand. The Freedom Programme continues to be very well received, this explores the abusive behaviour of perpetrators, feedback from this course is excellent with women really finding the course content useful as well as the peer support. Power to Change is for women who have come out of an abusive relationship.

Children are deeply affected by domestic abuse and DART (Domestic Abuse Recovering Together) works with women and children in their recovery from abuse. We have also introduced a new programme for children called ReConnect and Play- an opportunity for structured play sessions at the Centre.

10 We welcome feedback and as part of this we hold a regular focus group, consisting of service users, volunteers, staff and trustees. From the focus group came the idea of an open day. This was well received with women enjoying having their nails done, henna tattoos as well as cake!

At the Centre we also provide a liaison officer for the Norfolk and Suffolk Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC). The CRC supports low risk Women Offenders who are referred to the Centre with a view to addressing the reasons behind why they have offended. The areas of work we are involved in are 15 unpaid work hours, “Specific Activity Requirements” and group work. Many of the women have experienced Domestic Abuse therefore enabling them to access further services from the Centre is beneficial to their future well- being.

We are very fortunate to be able to offer money advice and legal appointments from the Centre, these are very popular and are much needed.

We would not be able to run the Centre without all the help and support of our fantastic team of volunteers, coming from a whole range of backgrounds their skills and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated.

Jo Bigger, Services Manager

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There has been a significant increase in demand for us to deliver our training in various environments. We have had excellent evaluations of our training and continue to develop partnerships with these clients we work with. We are determined to raise awareness and improve understanding in all our communities regarding the alarming extent of domestic abuse in our society and the impact that it has on the victims who are experiencing it and the children who are exposed to it. Expect Respect Training Healthy Relationship Education becomes statutory in all schools in September 2020 and our Expect Respect team have been busy going into educational settings in Suffolk in response to this legislation. We have delivered this healthy relationship programme to over 1,300 young people from the age of 5 years - 18 years during this period, as well as training staff in schools. As I write this report we have delivered Expect Respect to over 4,300 young people since we started delivering the programme three years ago. We have gained extensive experience in this field and we are ideally placed to roll this out further. We attended two Head Teachers Conferences this year where we had the opportunity to discuss the Expect Respect Project with numerous Head Teachers in Suffolk, from both primary and secondary schools and gain real insight into the issues schools face with regard to delivering Healthy Relationships within the curriculum. We have delivered Expect Respect to a combination of staff and students at , Suffolk New College, Creeting St Mary Primary School, , Olive Alternative Education Provider, Cliff Lane Primary School, Making Good Choices Conference, the SCITT – Trainee Teachers Programme, Thurston College and the Autistic Spectrum Disorder Centre in Stowmarket. Domestic Abuse in the Workplace Training Domestic Abuse costs the economy, from lost productivity, £1.9 billion per year and 75% of people experiencing domestic abuse are targeted at work although it is often a hidden workplace issue. We design bespoke training session to the specific requirements of organisations. We have attended two HR Forums, in partnership with Waddington Brown HR Consultants, to present to HR Professionals regarding the employers' duty of care to their employees who disclose domestic abuse.

12 This is particularly relevant as this issue is due to be highlighted in the new Domestic Abuse Bill going through Parliament at the moment. We have also presented The Domestic Abuse in the Workplace Workshop at the Suffolk HR Forum arranged by Blocks Solicitors which gave us the opportunity to highlight the profile of our Training Service and the requirement for employers to have a Domestic Abuse Policy and their responsibilities when an employee discloses domestic abuse. We have developed this training for smaller businesses that can be attended by a single HR Professionals or individuals who want to increase their awareness of domestic abuse. These training sessions have been well attended by smaller companies who attended the HR Forums as well as therapists, counsellors and other small local businesses. Domestic Abuse Awareness Training This training is suitable for charities and agencies who come into contact with those experiencing domestic abuse, as well as, health professionals, public sector employees and organisations of any size. We have also delivered training to other Suffolk agencies and charities with great success. In-house Training We now deliver a comprehensive schedule of training to all our staff and volunteers. This is part of our strategy to ensure that all our staff and volunteers are trained to a professional and in-depth level. This has included DA Awareness, Safeguarding for Adults and Children, DA Risk Assessment (DASH), Gangs and County Lines, GDPR, Equality and Diversity, Bespoke Volunteer Training and Expect Respect. We will continue our commitment to raise awareness and improve knowledge around domestic abuse and the impact it has in all our communities. ‘’Education is the most powerful weapon to use to change the world’’ Nelson Mandela Katherine Ahluwalia, Training Coordinator

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I’m pleased to report that we’ve had another successful year of fundraising, achieving a figure on par with last year from donations trusts, community and corporate fundraising.

As I’ve reached the end of my third year of fundraising with Lighthouse, I’ve been reflecting on what it requires to be successful. It won’t come as a surprise to know that a good fundraiser needs to be effective at building relationships. I’ve been searching for local businesses and community organisations that want to support our work. To find those connections, I spend a fair proportion of my time networking, attending events and giving talks to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the work of Lighthouse. This takes time, but I’m delighted to have enjoyed some fantastic collaborations during the year with a range of businesses, clubs and community groups.

Fundraising can be a labour intensive job. Companies and community groups often choose a different charity to support each year which is understandable with so many worthwhile causes out there, but it does create uncertainty for fundraisers, making it more difficult to predict future funding. This is why organisations that align with our values and choose to support our work over a longer period play a significant role in supporting Lighthouse. It enables us to build relationships and engage with employees & members, so making it a more meaningful experience for them too.

This years fundraising efforts have been many and varied and it would be impossible to mention them all here. There have been individuals and teams taking on Challenges – a 24 hour race and the Great North Run. There have been quilters’ exhibitions, race nights, dinner dances, fashion shows, a charity ball, birthday parties, breakfast seminars, musical evenings, bowls nights, cake sales and lots more.

I’d also like to mention the support we receive through donations, whether that be Christmas presents for the families we are

14 supporting at that time of year, Easter eggs, food, clothes, household items, craft materials and gift vouchers. All these gifts make a great contribution in supporting our service users.

Here at Lighthouse we’ve been overwhelmed by the continuing generosity of the public and of businesses to support our important work. Our sincere thanks go to everyone for your valued contribution to supporting our work with some of the most vulnerable women, young people and children in our communities. If you would like to know more about fundraising for Lighthouse, please contact me at [email protected].

Laura Squirrell, Fundraising & Volunteer Manager Help Raise Funds by:

 Becoming a Member

 Fundraise  Run a non-perishable food collection

 Choose Lighthouse as your employer’s charity of the year

 Donate via Virgin Money Giving

 Set up Payroll Giving

 Shop online via ‘The Giving Machine’ and nominate

Lighthouse

 Legacy

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As I write this report, it’s Volunteer Week, so a great time to celebrate and reflect on the contribution Lighthouse volunteers make to the delivery of all our client focused services. Volunteers are a fundamental part of the Lighthouse team enabling us to deliver a wider range of services than would otherwise be possible.

Over the course of this year our volunteers have continued to work in our busy office at the Women’s Centre welcoming visitors, answering the phone and updating our systems. They support children’s play sessions at our refuge, provide emotional support to women who are attending court, deliver community talks and help at fundraising events.

Our Open Café and Creative Coffee drop-in groups continue to be led by volunteers as well as the Peer Support Programme. Volunteers co-facilitate a number of courses, including Power to Change (a new course we’ve added this year) , Who’s in Change and Thera-play. This year volunteers have begun co-facilitating Expect Respect, a healthy relationships programme delivered in schools and further education settings across Suffolk.

In all circumstances our volunteers can be supporting women and children with some complex emotions, who may be upset and fearful, and their empathy, professionalism and passion to get the right support for every individual is commendable.

To support our volunteers we provide a range of in-house training. Topics such as Domestic Abuse Awareness, Equality & Diversity and Safeguarding are compulsory for volunteers as well as staff whilst others are optional dependent on their role. This year we have introduced volunteer training to help develop strategies for dealing with difficult conversations and strong emotions to enable volunteers to better support each individual.

16 I’m pleased to report that we’ve also had businesses volunteering. SME’s (Small & Medium Size Enterprises) often don’t have the capacity or staff numbers to organise fundraisers, but are keen to engage with and make a difference to local charities.

This year we have welcomed a photographer, a social media expert and a design and branding consultant to volunteer their time and expertise.

Next year we are looking to increase our volunteer numbers by 25%. This is in response to the need for their involvement in fundraising and co-facilitating training. In order to respond to this, we have recently recruited a new Volunteer Coordinator, Heather Venables. I’m delighted to say that Heather has volunteered with Lighthouse for 3 years in a variety of roles, before being appointed as Volunteer Coordinator.

Laura Squirrell, Fundraising & Volunteer Manager

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Just One Look……

With just one look, you would shrink me.

With just one word, my plans would change.

With just a change of vocal tone, I would shake.

With just one more punch or shove, I could have been no more.

With just one right move, from me, I am free.

Responsible …...

When he seduced me with his charm, I was responsible. When he had a bad mood, I had caused it.

When things didn't go his way, I was the one who had to give in.

When he made me cry, it was because I was weak.

When he was unhappy, the world stopped until I made him feel better.

When I didn’t understand, it was my fault for being stupid.

When I couldn't remember, it was because I was a liar.

18 Financial Review

In the face of continuing austerity during a period of increasing demand Lighthouse in 2018-19 continued to develop its profile and work to increase income from our local community as a proportion of total funds needed overall. The work done was successful and in addition to maintaining encouraging donation levels from the people and business community of Suffolk the growth of DV awareness and educational training programmes was particularly heartening. Efforts to maintain and grow receipts from community fundraising will remain a key financial strategy to broaden and diversify funding sources. The team are continually looking for and pursuing a wide range of fund-raising initiatives. We look forward to maintaining and developing earlier years success in 2019-20. It is likely to take some time, however, and the financing of demand growth for services in the short term will require continuing the designation of some funds from our reserves. This position was recognised in 2017 and from the surplus raised in 2017-18 £60,000 was put into a designated fund to support Community Services. Some £30,000 of this designated fund was used in the year and to continue the necessary support the Trustees have agreed that the designated fund remain in place to continue supporting the Women Centre and associated community projects.

The loss of the IDVA service in September, of course, significantly impacted on our income and expenditure during the year. The transfer out of the IDVA service was well planned and the impacts on ongoing services although managed and minimalised were in some areas affected by loss of economies of scale. We were aware of the impact from the loss of the IDVA service and planned to meet the expected resulting deficit. As it turned out the deficit was indeed less than expected and will enable us to carry forward funds put aside to 2019-20 as detailed above. The impact of the loss of the IDVA service in September and the ending of the Lottery grant in December resulted in overall income for the year falling to £922,279 from £1,269,979 in 2017-18.

The cost of providing ongoing charitable activities rose by a net 2% due to services demand growth and after adjusting for service changes the cost of charitable activities in 2018-19 was £948,992 whilst fund raising costs fell to £4,334 against £5,345 in 2017-18. As a result LWA managed a deficit reported for the year at £26,047. This was better than that expected. Given the continued short term funding gap expected in Community Services in 2020 and the time it’s taking to develop other

19 opportunities the Trustees have agreed that the designated fund created last year to support the Women’s Centre and associated community projects be retained for 2019-20. Demand for refuge spaces outstrips availability and Lighthouse Women’s Aid maintains a commitment to returning to service the small Refuge in due course. Our assessment is that LWA’s balance sheet remains strong and within Charity Commission Guidance. We are confident that LWA will remain financially able to meet all our liabilities and commitments to service users, staff, suppliers and supporters alike. Lighthouse Women’s Aid cost base in 2018/19 was in line with the Charity’s strategy to grow and develop a countywide sustainable organisation capable of meeting the growing demands for Domestic Abuse services. At the end of the year the total funds of the charity were £1,233,186, of which £459,664 relates to restricted funds and £40,000 to designated funds. Of the £733,522 general fund £375,000 relates to the value of the refuge building on which we have a mortgage of £176,512. Under Charity Commission rules Lighthouse Women’s Aid have a policy to maintain unrestricted reserves equating to 3 months expenditure and in 2019 is £232,835. Principal Funding The principal funding sources for the year were as follows:  Suffolk County Council – provides funding for support services to Women; and Children within Refuge (ended September 2018) and those moving to independent living.  Children In Need – part finance children services both within Refuge and Community Support.  Ipswich Borough Council – provides funding for premises and premises maintenance.  The Big Lottery Fund – provides funding for programmes run by Women’s Centre.  The Police and Crime Commissioner provides funding for IDVA Service and Women’s centre.  Sodexo – provide funding for ex-offender support and rehabilitation

20  Other services are funded through smaller funding grants from a variety of sources and community funding initiatives. Plans for future periods  Continue to develop the Women’s Centre services, roll out programmes countywide and seek continuation funding beyond 2020.  Secure sustainable funding to continue safe and supportive refuge accommodation for women and children.  Develop proposals for the long term purpose of the smaller, now closed, refuge.  Continue to develop Domestic Abuse training programmes delivered to Schools, Young People, Professionals and Businesses.  Raise the profile of Lighthouse Women’s Aid by raising awareness, through public presentations, group talks and educational sessions, on the effects of domestic violence and abuse.  Develop a fund raising strategy to diversify and improve our ability to secure funding for the long term sustainability of the Charity.

To achieve these goals the Charity has set up a number of Working Groups to review and develop recommendations for consideration by senior management and the directors during the year. As always we are ever grateful for the generosity of those who donate to the organisation either through volunteering, gifts or money. Every donation received or time given really does make a difference to the women and children we support.

Syd Brown, Finance Manager

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22 TOTAL FUNDS TOTAL FUNDS 2019 2018 £ £ Incoming Resourses

Voluntary income 63,260 81,903 Income form charitable trading activities 834,095 1,163,499 Investment income 24,924 24,577 Total Income Resourses 922,279 1,269,979

Outgoing Resources Costs of activities in furtherance of charity's objectives 930,955 1,167,860 Fundraising costs 4,334 5,345 Governance costs 13,037 14,793 Total Resourses Expended 948,326 1,187,998

Net Income / (Outgoings) for year -(26,047) 81,981

Balance Sheet Fixed Assets 1,105,667 1,119,971 Net Current assets 341,080 361,085 Mortgage due after more than one year (213,561) (221,823) 1,233,186 1,259,233

Funds General funds 713,522 724,203 Designated Fund 60,000 60,000 Restricted funds 459,664 475,030

23 Members of the Board

The Board of Trustees Auditor Solicitors Cynthia Glinos (Chair) Scrutton Bland Gotelee Margaret Parry (Vice Chair) Chartered Accountants 31-41 Elm Street Catherine Bright & Statutory Auditors Ipswich Sandra Gage Fitzroy House IP1 2AY Sarah Harvey Crown Street Sallyann Weston-Scales Rebecca Martin Bankers Head Office Jane Bailey Natwest Bank PLC Westgate House 2 Tavern Street Museum Street Ipswich, IP1 3BD Ipswich, IP1 1HQ

Company Secretary & Chief & Chief Executive Scottish Widows Sally Winston PO Box 12757 67 Morrison Street Edinburgh Registered Office Fitzroy House Crown Street Ipswich IP1 3LG

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25

Women's Centre - Type of Advice Given

Advice Appointment Advice Drop In

Advice Helpline

Ethnicity (All Services)

White - British White - Other Mixed Asian or Asian British Black or Black British Chinese Other Ethnic Group Gypsy/Irish Traveller

26 Age of Women in Refuge Age of Children in Refuge

30 50 25 40 20 30 15 10 20 5 10 0 0 16 - 18 19 - 25 26 - 35 36 - 45 46 - 55 56 - 65 over 65 0 - 4 5 - 10 11 - 16 over 16

17/18 18/19 17/18 18/19

Women at Refuge

Women Women with without children children 79% 21%

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Suffolk Fashion Show raised an amazing £2,315.00 for Lighthouse - Lighthouse were very fortunate this year to be chosen as the charity for The Suffolk Fashion Show, thanks to Pam Davis and Fashion Candy Style. The fashion show was held at Trinity Park on Thursday 4th October, the evening featured a raffle with prizes donated by the retailers who had a stall at the ‘5th Avenue Fashion Arcade’ as well as a meal for 12 people at Stoke by Nayland Hotel.

Councillor Sarah Barber, kindly chose Lighthouse Women’s Aid, FIND and the Ipswich Hospital Charity as her three charities to support during her year as Mayor of Ipswich. Sarah took part in many personal challenges as well as attending numerous functions and events organised by others to help raise funds for her three nominated charities. Sally Winston, Laura Squirrell and Sandra Gage from Lighthouse attended a presentation with Councillor Barber at the Town Hall and were presented with a truly outstanding cheque for £6,728.26.

We had an amazing amount of Easter eggs and treats donated to both our Refuge and our Women’s Centre this year. Easter Parties were held for the children at the Refuge with a wonderful Easter egg hunt in the garden with lots of clues to help them seek them out, as well as a week of Easter activities which included card making, face painting, movies and more. A party was also held at the Women’s Centre where the children took part in an Easter hunt, quiz, and various arts and crafts. Thanks go to all those that donated and made this year’s Easter very special, these include: Mackenzie-King, Jemma Chisholm-Brown , Lodge Baptist Church, Ipswich Hospital, Ipswich Inner Wheel, Pure Resourcing, Mary Le Tower Church, Holly Road Baptist Church, Bramford Road Methodist Church to name but a few.

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What a fantastic night we had at the Lighthouse Annual Quiz. 18 Teams of 4 battled it out for the prestige of winning this great event. As well as the brilliantly devised quiz put together by Simon and his parents; the attendees were also given a scrumptious hot meal to help kick start the brain cells into action.

Thank you to Simon at Seckford Golf Club and all of his team for hosting our quiz and always putting in so much effort to make this such a success for Lighthouse. Thanks also go to all those that attended and pitted their knowledge against each other.

Lighthouse would like to send our sincere thanks to all those that donated Christmas gifts and food to help Lighthouse give the women, young people and children that we support a brighter Christmas.

Lighthouse are humbled by the support we receive from our local community groups, businesses, churches, schools, individuals and many more. Each year it is a real pleasure to see those supporters return to support Lighthouse yet again and to know that they value the work Lighthouse carries out.

Lighthouse have received the most amazing array of hampers designed and built by the students at . These wonderful creations are then filled with fabulous festive food and delivered to our Refuge and Community Centre. This year we had a Grinch advent calendar, The Grinch popping out of a chimney, a polar bear, a piano and a huge bauble to name but a few. Our thanks go out to all the staff and students for their efforts and continued support.

29 Once again Lighthouse Women’s Aid would like to sincerely thank Frances Barker and her team at Blocks Solicitors for yet again hosting another hugely successful Christmas Appeal. Blocks have been kindly providing this service for some years now and during this time have collected hundreds of gifts, including toys, toiletries, perfume and chocolates for the women and children that find themselves at the refuge with us at this time of year. We have had another plentiful year and it never ceases to amaze us, the generosity of the people of Ipswich who have helped make Christmas a happier time for the women, young people and children Lighthouse support.

Stella Acapella, an all female choir based at Museum Street Methodist Church in Ipswich, in October held a performance at the church and raised £250.00 for Lighthouse.

Lighthouse have been busy raising awareness of domestic abuse and the work Lighthouse carries out, with two stands at Tesco stores in the county this January.

30 Thank You Lighthouse!

“I've learnt that I am not alone, it is NOT me and to recognise past behaviours, but they do not define me of who I am today”

“I am not to blame for his behaviour” “ I'm not the only one”

“I would like to thank everyone who works here, they have helped me and my kids loads”

For a brighter future, free from domestic abuse

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Funded by:

Suffolk County Council Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Big Lottery Fund Children in Need Ipswich Borough Council Suffolk Community Foundation Babergh District Council Mid Suffolk District Council Norfolk and Suffolk Community Rehabilitation Company

Registered Company No. 3532428

Registered Company Address: Fitzroy House, Crown Street, Ipswich, IP1 3LG

Registered Charity No. 1069296 Affiliated to the Women’s Aid Federation England

www.lighthousewa.org.uk

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