Partnership Archives - First Light

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.”