Sixth form supports domestic abuse charity by hosting arts fundraiser

A charity that supports domestic abuse victims received a boost from a sixth form in Bury after students and staff from a college created a fundraiser on their behalf.

The team from Abbeygate Sixth Form College held an arts showcase this week on behalf of Restore Women’s Aid.

The occasion started with an introduction from Lou Gridley, a visual arts teacher at Abbeygate who then introduced representatives from the benevolent cause to explain the impactful work that they do.

After this, guests were entertained by a variety of performances involving art, drama, fashion, music, poetry and textiles.

A total of over £1000 has been raised so far via a bake sale, ticket sales, donations and a tattoo design competition (that was won by Tyler Plamer).

On hosting this event, Lou (Gridley) said: “Every year we put on a community project and it was great to be able to work with Restore Women’s Aid. We had over 150 people who came along. It’s really important as a sixth form that we raise awareness of the work of Restore Women’s Aid and give the charity a voice in the community, as well as educating our young people.”

Katherine Ahluwalia is the principal operations manager for Restore Women’s Aid in Bury St Edmunds. Katherine said: “We have worked with the sixth form giving bespoke workshops on healthy relationships, encouraging people to talk to others and get help from professionals if they need it.

“Off the back of that, we joined forces with Abbeygate who created an arts showcase that incorporated the theme of domestic abuse to help raise awareness of this ongoing problem in society.

“This is our 50th anniversary this year and this showcase was a fitting way to celebrate reaching this landmark. A massive thank you to Abbeygate Sixth Form College for their support.”

Cia Guerra, 20, from Bury received support from Restore Women’s Aid. The former West Suffolk College student studied forensic and criminal investigations and now works at the hospital in Bury.

Cia said on her experiences: “I remember witnessing things at the age of five. We reported this to the police and fled.

“Eventually Restore housed us for nine months. It was rough but we now have a house. I’ve been through college and got a nice job and my mum is doing great. The spark has come back to her.”

In terms of support from the sixth form Cia added: “It’s amazing what Abbeygate did with this event, helping the charity that helped me so much, for so long. My advice to others (in domestic abuse situations) is put your fear to one side and ask for help.”

Rosa Ambridge, 17, from Bury is an A level student at Abbeygate who took part in the event. Rosa said: “I wore an outfit (during a fashion show) that my friend made. It (Restore) is a very good cause.

Jessica Evans, 16, from Mildenhall is an A level student. Jessica said: “I’m a textiles student so I have made an outfit relating to domestic abuse. It was a caged top to show how people can get trapped in a relationship. Domestic abuse is not good and is something that needs to be sorted out.”

Eva Lockwood, 18, from Bury has just finished studying at Abbeygate. Eva wrote directed and acted in a play called Fury of all our Problems. Eva said: “It feels really good (to be supporting this cause). We have worked really hard and we want to help (Restore) whenever we can.”

Ottalie Lindqvist-Lines, 18, from Bury has recently completed her A levels and starred in the play. Ottalie said: “It’s important for a place of education to educate young people so they can recognise the signs (of domestic abuse). It makes me feel happy to do something that I love that is helping people in a positive way.”

The event received support from several sponsors who were On Point Barners, Steve Norman Furniture Restorers Ltd, Hunter Build and Solar Ltd and SRS Aromatics Ltd.