Cuddles

Cuddles is a Barnstaple based organisation offering activity weekends and day trips for children who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence. Everyone belonging to the group has either suffered or witnessed domestic violence or abuse within the home. Many will have been or are still residing in a women's refuge. They suffer from low self-esteem, lack of confidence and the sense that the world is all bleak and violent. Many have never had a holiday and not been 'allowed' time solely with their mothers

Devon Community Foundation awarded Cuddles a grant of £6,645 to cover the cost of a summer camp.

The weekend was a resounding success. As well as gaining new experiences, the people taking part benefited from knowing that they were in a safe environment where no violence or anger was permitted. Young people were able

bond better with their mothers and were given the opportunity to share experiences and fears. At the same time, they had a chance to have fun! All this helped to lessen the sense of isolation often felt by victims of domestic abuse.

One of the Mums shared with us something her daughter said to her on the way home, as she felt it spoke for all the women and children who benefited from our grant: "The best thing was to be able to run around, laugh and spend fun time with you and not have to worry that either of us would be punished for it."