Facebook Linkedin Instagram Tiktok
Search
Exit site

Campaign Type: Organisational

Double Your Donation Today

Abuse Can Change Everything in an Instant.
Your Support Can Change Everything After That.

From 6th October until 12pm on 13th October, every donation to First Light’s Crisis Fund will be doubled through the Big Give Women and Girls Match Fund.

That means your gift could have twice the impact for women and girls affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

When Everything Changes Overnight

Abuse can turn someone’s world upside down in a moment.

Someone fleeing domestic abuse may leave there home with nothing but the clothes she is wearing. A survivor of sexual violence may find that essential belongings, including clothing or a mobile phone, are taken as part of a police investigation. Others may struggle to afford the travel costs needed to reach counselling, medical appointments, support services or court hearings.

At a time when everything feels uncertain, practical support can make all the difference.

Every day, First Light supports people through our Domestic Abuse Services, Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) services and specialist therapy programmes. While statutory funding helps us deliver these vital services, it does not always cover the emergency items survivors need during a crisis.

That’s why our Crisis Fund exists.

👉 Donate today: https://donate.biggive.org/donate/a05WS00000FcBEjYAN

Providing Support When No Other Funding Is Available

The Crisis Fund helps us respond to urgent needs that can become barriers to safety, recovery and independence.

Donations help provide practical support such as:

  • Emergency transport to a place of safety
  • Temporary accommodation during a crisis
  • Clothing, toiletries and essential care packs
  • Mobile phones, SIM cards and emergency phone credit
  • Travel costs to therapy, counselling, medical appointments and court hearings
  • Emergency financial support when no other funding is available

They are often the practical lifelines that help someone stay safe, access support and take the next step towards recovery.

👉 Donate today: https://donate.biggive.org/donate/a05WS00000FcBEjYAN

Small Things That Make a Big Difference

For someone in crisis, a train ticket to a counselling appointment can mean they continue receiving support.

A mobile phone can help them stay connected to an ISVA or support worker.

Emergency clothing and toiletries can provide dignity after an incredibly difficult experience.

The Crisis Fund helps remove practical barriers that survivors should never have to face alone.

Make Twice the Difference

For one week only, every donation made through the Women and Girls Match Fund will be doubled.

  • £25 becomes £50
  • £50 becomes £100
  • £100 becomes £200

Your donation will help ensure that when survivors need support most, help is available.

👉 Donate today: https://donate.biggive.org/donate/a05WS00000FcBEjYAN

Thank You

We are incredibly grateful to Big Give and the Women and Girls Match Fund for making this campaign possible.

Their support means every donation made before 12pm on 13th October will be matched pound for pound, helping us reach and support even more women and girls affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

We would also like to thank everyone who chooses to donate.

Your generosity helps provide the practical support that statutory funding cannot always cover. Because of supporters like you, survivors can access essential items, attend vital appointments, remain connected to specialist services and continue their journey towards safety and recovery.

Together, we can be there during some of the most challenging moments in a person’s life.

Help Us Be There When It Matters Most

Match funding is available for a limited time, but the need for support continues every day.

If you can, please donate before 12pm on 13th October and make your gift go twice as far.

Every donation matters. Every pound helps. Every gift will be doubled.

👉 Donate today: https://donate.biggive.org/donate/a05WS00000FcBEjYAN

Abuse can change everything in an instant. Your support can change everything after that.

Gard & Co. Solicitors Raise £1,705.08 in Support of First Light as Their 2025 Charity of the Year

First Light is proud to have been chosen as Gard & Co. Solicitors’ Charity of the Year for 2025, with the Plymouth-based law firm raising an incredible £1,705.08 to support our work across the South West.

Gard & Co. shared: “Gard & Co. Solicitors chose First Light to be our charity of the year in 2025 as some staff members had personal experience with the charity that helped them through a difficult period whilst validating their experience. We also felt strongly about de‑stigmatising the topic and wanted to contribute to the incredible work undertaken by First Light.”

Their generosity will directly support our vital services for people affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, and church-related abuse, ensuring that every survivor who reaches out to us is heard, believed, and supported.

Partnerships like this one play a powerful role in breaking the silence and stigma that too often surround abuse. By choosing to stand alongside survivors, Gard & Co. are helping to raise awareness and open up conversations that can save lives.

The funds raised will support our trauma‑informed services, which include:

  • Immediate crisis support for those experiencing domestic abuse
  • Specialist ISVA services for anyone affected by sexual violence
  • Therapeutic recovery pathways helping individuals rebuild their lives
  • Dedicated support for survivors of church‑related abuse
  • Education and prevention work that helps create safer communities

Every donation helps us expand our reach and remove barriers that prevent people from seeking help. Having committed charity partners means we can continue to grow the support we offer and remain a trusted voice for survivors, one focused on safety, empowerment, and long‑term recovery.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Gard & Co. Solicitors for choosing to stand with survivors and for the money raised. Their support ensures that more people can access the compassionate, specialist help they deserve at a time when they need it most.

From all of us at First Light: thank you for choosing to support survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and church‑related abuse.

First Light Voted as Venton’s Charity of the Year

In an inspiring start to 2024, First Light has been named Venton’s Charity of the Year through a public vote on social media. We are delighted to announce that, among five deserving charities, the people of Cornwall have chosen First Light to be the recipient of Venton’s support throughout the year.

Venton Conference Centre & Accountancy Practice, a prominent Newquay-based business, located just seconds away from the A30, has a diverse client base throughout Cornwall. The response from the communities of Cornwall was overwhelming, reflecting the deep-rooted support for First Light’s mission to provide assistance to those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the voting process. It is truly heartening to witness the outpouring of support from the people of Cornwall,” remarked Lyn Gooding, CEO of First Light. “This nomination by the public and selection as Venton’s Charity of the Year is an honour that will significantly contribute to our efforts in reaching and supporting more individuals across Cornwall.”

First Light delivers the Safer Futures Service for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, offering integrated support to those impacted by domestic abuse and sexual violence. The partnership with Venton is anticipated to strengthen these services, ensuring that the essential support reaches those who need it the most.

Lyn Gooding further expressed, “It is hard to put into words how honoured First Light and our team are to be nominated by the public and chosen as Venton’s Charity of the Year. This recognition is a testament to the impactful work we do across Cornwall, and Venton’s support will help us extend our reach and provide essential assistance to more individuals in need.”

Venton, dedicated to providing professional events and accountancy services, that are tailored to individual needs, aligns seamlessly with First Light’s commitment to supporting survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. The partnership signifies a shared dedication to making a positive difference in the community.

Sophie Turton, Venton Conference Centre Manager, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “The team at Venton are absolutely thrilled to be supporting First Light as our chosen charity of the year. The public’s response to our vote was utterly amazing and we were so pleased to see such a positive response!  It’s a first for Venton to partner with a Cornish charity and host fundraising events, however the team are buzzing with excitement and looking forward to working with this deserving charity, for what is set to be a great year for First Light and Venton alike.”

First Light chosen as Program’s Charity of the Year

We are excited to share that First Light has been chosen as Program’s Charity of the Year for 2024. This collaboration follows the success of Program’s Safer Exeter campaign, launched in February 2023, which encouraged people in Exeter to intervene safely if they see harassment in a public space, and promoted free bystander intervention training, led by the Safer Exeter Partnership.

Caroline Orr, Marketing Director at Program, expressed the team’s commitment to positive impact, stating, “We are thrilled to be partnering with First Light. This is an incredibly important issue which we want to help tackle, and we look forward to contributing to the important work that First Light does for our communities.”

Program, an Exeter-based positive impact marketing agency, will extend their support to First Light by providing free brand, PR, and marketing services throughout the year. The aim is to increase the reach and impact of First Light’s crucial services dedicated to supporting women and girls in the community.

Lyn Gooding, CEO at First Light, conveyed gratitude for Program’s support, emphasising the shared goal of building a future free from domestic abuse and sexual violence. “Together, we are building a future free from domestic abuse and sexual violence, ensuring every voice is heard, and that our communities thrive in safety. This collaboration is more than just working together, it’s about making a real difference in tackling a crucial issue.”

Thank you China Fleet Country Club Ladies Golf Club for raising vital funds for First Light.

Everyone at First Light would like to say a huge thank you to the Committee and Members of China Fleet Country Club Ladies Golf Club for raising £1,800 for our charity.

It was raised during a year that was difficult for many and it certainly will make an impact on the lives of individuals affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence across Devon and Cornwall.

Want to get involved? Contact Cath at hello@firstlight.org.uk for more.

 

First Light wins £10,000 Movement for Good award

We are pleased to announced that First Light has won a £10,000 Movement for Good award from Ecclesiastical Insurance Group.

First Light is one of 30 charities chosen by a panel of judges to receive £10,000 as part of specialist insurer Ecclesiastical’s Movement for Good awards, which is giving £1million to good causes this year.

Ecclesiastical Movement for Good will fund a new project to recruit and train volunteers to provide mentoring and listening support to individuals affected by domestic abuse in Cornwall. 15 volunteers will initially receive in-depth training, as part of an on-going programme. The volunteers will provide regular telephone/video calling support to over 225 individuals every year providing 2,700 hours of listening and mentoring support. Individuals effected by domestic abuse will be able to talk through their experience with their volunteer mentor who will listen, and receive emotional and practical support to deal with the negative impact of abuse allowing them to recover, helping them to:

– Feel heard

– Lose shame or guilt

– Rebuild self-worth

– Value their own decision making

– Recognise the signs

– Understand healthy relationships

The awards are designed to help charities make a real difference in their communities. More than 1,000 charities applied for the funding and the winning projects were selected against four criteria: impact and effectiveness, sustainability, innovation, and care and compassion.

The funding will support First Light’s Volunteer Mentors over the next three years.

“We are delighted to be working with Ecclesiastical Movement for Good to close the gap in support for people effected by domestic abuse in Cornwall. An independent, listening and supportive mentor will be vital in helping many people move forward following abuse, whilst providing vital skills and experience for volunteers”.

Lyn Gooding, Chief Executive, First Light South West.

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive at Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, said: “At Ecclesiastical we believe business should be a force for good. Charitable causes need sustained support and a sense of financial stability. Through the second phase of our Movement for Good awards we are actively championing innovation, giving charities the backing they need to propel their plans forward and turn creative ideas into practical solutions that benefit society. We know that £10,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

“Ecclesiastical, the fourth largest corporate donor in the UK, is a unique financial services group. We are owned by a charity which means all available profits can be given to the good causes that are so important to our customers. As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of our business.”

For more information visit: www.ecclesiastical.com/movementforgood

Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance (opens in a new tab)

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.