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Archives: Fundraising and Campaigns

Reclaim the Net: 16 Days of Activism

16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls

As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Violence Against Women and Girls, we are inviting women and girls to share their experiences of online communities and spaces.

We want to hear about the realities of being a woman or girl online. This may include experiences of harassment, abuse, discrimination, exclusion, unwanted messages, sexist behaviour, pressure to hide your identity, or concerns about your safety. We also welcome experiences that highlight support, allyship, friendship, and positive online communities.

Your experience could have happened recently or years ago and may have taken place in community groups, forums, live chats, voice channels, streaming platforms, gaming communities, or other online spaces.

Responses may be shared anonymously as part of our 16 Days of Activism campaign, which runs from 25th November to 10th December. By sharing real stories and perspectives, we hope to raise awareness of how women and girls are treated online, encourage conversation, and challenge harmful behaviour.

 
The survey is completely anonymous, and you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.
 
There are no right or wrong answers.
Every experience matters.
 
By sharing your story, you can help build a clearer picture of what life online is really like for women and girls.

Have you ever had an experience in an online game or gaming community that made you feel uncomfortable, excluded, unsafe, or treated differently? Please tell us about it.

Blow the Whistle – A National Campaign to Challenge Abuse Through Sport

Blow The Whistle
A National Campaign to Challenge Abuse Through Sport

Play your part. Call out abuse. Blow the whistle.

Blow the Whistle is a national campaign calling on everyone to take a clear stand against domestic abuse and sexual violence through sport.

Launching alongside the FIFA World Cup 2026, the campaign uses the powerful, familiar act of blowing the whistle to make one message unmistakably clear:

Abuse has no place in sport, or in our communities.

Get involved

Campaign supporters include:

This campaign is growing, with more organisations joining regularly.

By standing together, supporters help amplify a shared message and show that challenging abuse is a collective responsibility.

What “blowing the whistle” means

 Noticing when something isn’t right

Calling out abusive behaviour

Checking in and showing care

Making support visible and accessible

Why this campaign matters

Domestic abuse and sexual violence are widespread, but often hidden, minimised or misunderstood. Harmful behaviours, including emotional abuse, coercive control and intimidation, can become normalised, overlooked or dismissed as “not serious enough”.

Many people notice when something isn’t right, but:

  • Don’t always recognise abuse for what it is
  • Aren’t sure if it’s their place to speak up
  • Don’t know what to say, or where to signpost for help

Blow the Whistle exists to change that culture.

It encourages people to recognise abuse, call it out, and help direct others towards support, safely, clearly and without blame.

How you can get involved

You don’t need expertise to take part. You just need to care.

Individuals and fans can:

  • Share campaign messages and posters on social media
  • Talk about respect, safety and speaking up
  • Take part in the national Blow the Whistle moment during the World Cup
  • Check in on someone you’re worried about
  • Share support information when it’s needed

Clubs, organisations and community groups can:

  • Display campaign posters and digital visuals
  • Encourage staff, volunteers or members to engage
  • Embed the message into safeguarding or wellbeing activity
  • Publicly show support alongside others nationwide
  • Use you own branding to share the message
Get Involved

Campaign resources

Everything here is designed to be easy to use, and easy to share.

[Campaign Guide for Resources]

Social Media & Campaign Guide
Campaign Assets

Posters and visuals

Use these posters in clubhouses, venues, workplaces, GP surgeries, community spaces or online.

Campaign Posters

Organisations getting behind the campaign

Blow the Whistle is a collective campaign. Change happens when organisations stand together.

Below are some of the clubs, organisations and partners publicly supporting the campaign.

Are you an organisation? Get involved

Online Resources

Be part of the movement

Blow the Whistle is a collective campaign.
Its impact comes from people and organisations standing together and using a shared message to challenge abuse and promote change.

If you’d like to join the growing number of organisations supporting the campaign or learn more about getting involved, click below:

 

Find out how to get involved

A shared stand against abuse

When something isn’t right, we stop play.

Abuse is always a foul.
Respect is part of the game.
When we see harm, it’s time to blow the whistle.

Together, we send a clear message.

Abuse is not ignored, no one is left to face it alone, and support is always available.

When something isn’t right, in relationships, at home, at work, or in our communities,
we stop, we notice, and we act.
We don’t look away.

Blow the Whistle – Get Involved

Blow the Whistle

Play your part. Call out abuse. Blow the whistle.

Blow the Whistle is a national campaign inviting everyone to take a clear stand against domestic abuse and sexual violence through sport.

 

Launching alongside the FIFA World Cup, on Thursday 11th June 2026.

The campaign uses the simple and powerful idea of blowing the whistle to say:

Abuse has no place in sport, in our homes, or in our communities.

 

Sport brings people together, shapes behaviour and sets standards. Blow the Whistle asks fans, organisations and businesses to use this shared moment to call out abuse, promote respect, and help people know where to get support.

Jump to

At a glance

One simple action. One shared moment. One clear message.

  • What: Share a Blow the Whistle message
  • When: At the start of the World Cup on Thursday 11th June at 12pm.
  • How: Your own branded content or our templates
  • Must include: “Blow the whistle.” on the content imagery
  • Joint communications for shared message:  Will be shared prior to launch, using #BlowTheWhistle
Learn more about the Campaign

Join the organisations blowing the whistle on abuse

Blow the Whistle is a collective national campaign.
Its strength comes from organisations standing together to promote respect, safety and accountability through sport and community life.

Whether you’re a sports club, charity, governing body, public service or community organisation, getting involved shows a visible commitment to challenging domestic abuse and sexual violence and helping people access support.

This page explains what taking part involves and how to sign up.

This campaign is growing, with more organisations joining regularly.

By standing together, supporters help amplify a shared message and show that challenging abuse is a collective responsibility.

Why get involved?

By joining Blow the Whistle, your organisation helps to:

  • Challenge tolerance of abuse using a clear, shared message
  • Reinforce values of fairness, respect and safety associated with sport
  • Encourage people to speak up when something isn’t right
  • Signpost specialist support without needing in‑house expertise
  • Be part of a recognised national campaign launching around the FIFA World Cup 2026

Participation is flexible. There’s no minimum commitment, and organisations can engage in ways that fit their size, capacity and audience.

How the campaign works

Blow the Whistle is a collective campaign. That means everyone can take part in a way that fits their organisation, audience and capacity.

The key campaign moment

  • At the start of the World Cup, we’re asking everyone involved to share a public Blow the Whistle message
  • This coordinated action is the moment that unites the campaign nationally

After the launch

  • You’re welcome to continue sharing messages throughout the tournament and beyond
  • You can post once or many times, participation is completely flexible

What we’re asking you to do

Share the campaign message

You can:

  • Use our downloadable templates, or
  • Use your own branding, design and voice

You’re encouraged to:

  • Add your own statistics, insight or key points that link to your work
  • Focus on calling out abuse, promoting respect and signposting support

All we ask is that your World Cup shout‑out:

  • Includes the core message
    “Play your part. Call out abuse. Blow the whistle.”
  • Uses the hashtag #BlowTheWhistle

What does “Blow the Whistle” mean?

In sport, a whistle stops play, calls out a foul and protects those involved.

This campaign uses that same idea beyond the pitch.

Blowing the whistle means:

Noticing when something isn’t right

Calling out abuse safely

Checking in and showing care

Signposting support rather than staying silent

It’s about responsibility, fairness and protecting people.

What support do we provide?

When you sign up, you’ll get access to organisation‑focused resources, including:

Campaign assets

  • Posters and digital graphics
  • Social media visuals
  • Campaign logo for promotional use

Ready‑to‑use copy

  • Example social media posts
  • Short website and newsletter text
  • Suggested wording for staff or member communications

Access to support resources

  • How to respond if someone raises a concern
  • What to say (and what not to say)
  • How to safely signpost support rather than acting independently

This ensures participation is confident, ethical and survivor‑centred.

Showing your support publicly

Once signed up:

  • Your organisation’s logo will appear on the main campaign page, showing public support alongside other partners
  • You can choose whether to be listed as a supporter only, or also as a local point of contact for signposting support
  • Your involvement contributes to national visibility and collective impact

Joining the campaign is simple.

The sign‑up form will ask for:

  • Organisation name
  • Logo upload
  • Website and social channels
  • Primary contact details
  • Whether you’d like to be listed as a support contact
  • Confirmation you agree with the campaign principles

Adding your organisation as a support contact (optional)

Organisations may optionally provide:

  • Contact details
  • Geographic coverage
  • A brief description of services offered

If included, these details can appear on our Contact / Support Service page, helping people connect with appropriate help.

You are not expected to take on crisis support unless this is already part of your remit. Clear boundaries and signposting are encouraged.

Sign up to get involved

Blow the Whistle Campaign - FAQ

  • Do we need to use the England Flag

    We recognise that not everyone may feel comfortable using the England flag. Our intention is to use the World Cup as a moment to create a shared symbol of standing against abuse.

    That said, it’s important that everyone feels confident and comfortable with the content they share. To support this, we will be providing alternative designs for the shared campaign message at the start of the World Cup, including a Scotland flag option. 

  • Can we create our own designs?

    Yes, please feel free to create your own designs and content.

    The campaign is about a shared message and coming together, so using your own branding, fonts and design styles is encouraged.
    We simply ask that Blow the Whistle is included within the design to clearly link to the campaign.     

  • Can we use stats?

    Yes, please feel free to us stats and figures. Please ensure that these are from credible sources

  • Can we use our own messaging?

    Yes, feel free to customise the messaging to suit your organisation and audience. All we ask is that you use our main campaign post messaging for the national Blow the Whistle moment, for a shared post at the start of the World Cup.  

  • Can we use our own branding?

    Yes, feel free to use your own branding, designs, logos. All we ask is that you use our main campaign post for the national Blow the Whistle moment, for a shared post at the start of the World Cup. 

Questions or need more information?

If you’d like to discuss involvement before signing up, or have safeguarding questions, you can contact the campaign team.

Get in touch at: Hello@FirstLight.org.uk

Standing together

Blow the Whistle works because it’s shared.

Every logo, poster, post and conversation helps reinforce the message that abuse is not normal, not acceptable and not something we ignore.

Abuse is always a foul.
Respect is part of the game.
When we see harm, it’s time to blow the whistle.

Happy Healthy Love | Healthy Relationship Support For Young People

At First Light, we launched Happy Healthy Love to celebrate what makes relationships strong, respectful, and supportive. It began during our 2nd year of Healthy Relationships and Toxic Behaviours Awareness Month, our yearly campaign over February dedicated to helping young people understand what healthy love looks like.

Rather than focusing solely on what’s wrong, we’re lifting up what’s right, sharing real stories, expert advice, and practical tools to help young people build relationships rooted in trust, kindness, and respect.

Our Work Continues

Although the campaign first launched in February 2025, our commitment to supporting young people is ongoing. We’re continuing to grow Happy Healthy Love by:

  • Creating fresh content and resources for young people, parents, and professionals
  • Collaborating with survivors, youth voices, and safeguarding experts
  • Expanding our reach across social media and community spaces
  • Providing safe, inclusive platforms for learning and conversation

Stay Connected

Whether you’re a young person, parent, educator, or professional, we invite you to be part of this important campaign.

Follow us on:

Facebook Tiktok Instagram

View previous campaigns posts

How to Send Us Your Fundraising Money

Make a Difference

The money you raise helps us support thousands of adults and children to live safer lives and rediscover hope. By paying in your donations, you’re making a real and lasting difference.

By Post

If you’re sending a cheque, please make it payable to ‘First Light’ and post it to:

First Light
The Business Centre
2 Cattedown Road
Plymouth
PL4 0EG

Please include a note with your name and details of your fundraising so we can link your donation correctly.

By Bank Transfer

To arrange a bank transfer, please email us at hello@firstlight.org.uk and we’ll provide you with our bank details.

Make sure to include a clear reference with your transfer so we can identify your fundraising contribution.

How to set up your First Light Just Giving page

Whatever you choose to do to raise money, JustGiving is a trusted platform used by charities around the world. It’s a simple and secure way to manage your donations and sponsorship.

Follow these quick steps to set up your fundraising page and start collecting donations from family, friends, and colleagues:

  1. Visit justgiving.com/firstlight and click Start fundraising to begin.
  2. Log in to your JustGiving account, or create one if you’re new to the platform.
  3. Choose your fundraising type — whether you’re taking part in an event, celebrating an occasion, fundraising in memory, or doing your own thing.
  4. If your event isn’t listed, select Add your own and tell us a bit more about your plans.
  5. Pick your page link — this is the web address you’ll share with supporters.
  6. When asked about receiving donations in return for goods or services:
    • Tick Yes if you’re selling tickets, running a raffle, or auctioning items (note: these donations won’t be eligible for Gift Aid).
    • Tick No for all other types of fundraising.
  7. When asked if your charity is contributing to the cost of your fundraising:
    • Tick No, unless First Light have agreed to subsidising your event in anyway.
  8. Click Create your page — and you’re ready to go!

 

Did You Know?

You can add offline donations to your JustGiving total. Just go to Edit your page, then click Edit next to Raised offline in the Donations made to your page section, and enter the amount.

 

Ways to Boost Your Donations

Here are a few tips to help maximise your impact:

  • Tell your story: Share why you’re fundraising for First Light and what it means to you. A personal story can inspire more donations.
  • Share your page: Use email and social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) to spread the word.
  • Add photos: Fundraisers who include images raise 14% more on average. JustGiving will also prompt you to post updates — a great way to show your progress.
  • Set a target: It motivates you and shows supporters how close you are to reaching your goal.

 

Need Help?

If you’d like support setting up your page, or if you already have a JustGiving page and would like us to share it, please fill in the form below, we’ll be happy to help and promote your fundraising.

For any questions or support with your fundraising activity, get in touch with us using the form below.

Action4Change: Stand4Change

At First Light, we believe that real change takes action. That’s why, for the third year running, we’re proud to lead Action4Change, our campaign for the 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence.

Each year, we’ve built on the momentum of the last:

  • Year One: Time4Change – We started by raising awareness and calling out the urgent need for change.
  • Year Two: Pledge4Change – We invited individuals, organisations, and communities to commit to action.
  • Year Three: Stand4Change – This year, we’re asking everyone to take a stand. Whether it’s in your workplace, school, community, or online, standing up against gender-based violence is how we move forward together.

Why Action4Change Matters

Gender-based violence affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. The 16 Days of Action is a global movement, and through Action4Change, we’re making sure our local voices are heard and our communities are empowered to act.

We’re sharing survivor stories, expert insights, and practical tools to help individuals and organisations take meaningful steps toward ending abuse. From policy change to personal reflection, every action counts.

How You Can Stand4Change

  • Educate Yourself and Others: Share our resources and campaign materials to raise awareness.
  • Challenge Harmful Norms: Speak out against behaviours and attitudes that perpetuate abuse.
  • Support Survivors: Create safe spaces for disclosure and healing.
  • Take Action: Whether it’s signing a pledge, hosting an event, or starting a conversation, your action matters.

Join Us

Follow the campaign on social media and explore our resources to learn how you can Stand4Change this year.

Together, we can turn awareness into action and action into change.

Action4Change | 16 Days of Action Against Gender Based Violence

Action4Change is our flagship campaign for the 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence, and it’s all about turning awareness into meaningful action.

At First Light, we launched Action4Change to challenge gender-based violence and empower individuals, organisations, and communities to take a stand. The campaign runs annually during the global 16 Days of Action, but its impact goes far beyond those two weeks.

A Campaign That Evolves With Purpose

Each year, we build on the last with a new theme that reflects where we are—and where we need to go:

  • Time4Change (2023): We began by raising awareness and calling for urgent change.
  • Pledge4Change (2024): We invited people to commit to action, both personally and professionally.
  • Stand4Change (2025): We’re asking everyone to take a visible stand against gender-based violence.

These themes aren’t just slogans, they’re calls to action. Each one reflects a step forward in our collective journey to end abuse and create safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone.

What Action4Change Stands For

Action4Change is about:

  • Empowering survivors to share their stories and be heard
  • Educating communities about the realities of gender-based violence
  • Challenging harmful behaviours and norms
  • Promoting policy change and safeguarding improvements
  • Creating space for reflection, learning, and growth

We provide resources, host events, share lived experiences, and collaborate with partners across sectors to make sure the message reaches far and wide.

View previous campaigns posts

“They Think It’s All Over”: A Campaign to End Abuse Inside and Outside of Sports

“They Think It’s All Over”: A Campaign to End Abuse Inside and Outside of Sports

At First Light, we’re proud to launch our groundbreaking campaign, “They Think It’s All Over”, aimed at shining a light on the hidden corners of abuse within sport. As a leading charity supporting anyone affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, and church-related abuse, we know that the issue doesn’t end with the final whistle of the Euro’s, and it’s not confined to football alone.

While football clubs make up just 12% of all sports clubs in the UK, abuse can be found across every sport. From professional leagues to grassroots clubs, sexual violence and domestic abuse impact individuals of all ages and genders.

There are approximately 151,000 sports clubs in the UK, and we’re calling for stronger safeguarding measures to protect players, fan bases, supporters, followers, friends, and families. No one should fear abuse when they step onto the pitch, the court, or the field.

Through this campaign, we’ll be sharing powerful statistics and real stories from across the sporting world to show that abuse in and outside of sport is a widespread issue. It demands urgent attention and societal change.

Our Research: Building Safer Sport from the Ground Up

As part of our ongoing commitment to ending abuse in sport, we’ve been conducting our own research into the links between sexual violence, domestic abuse, and sporting environments. This research will help us build a case for funding to develop free safeguarding training for grassroots sports clubs across the UK.

We believe that every club, no matter its size or level, should have access to the tools and knowledge needed to create safe, inclusive spaces for everyone involved.

Help Us Shape the Future of Safe Sport

If you’re involved in sport in any way, whether you play, coach, volunteer, or are a parent or carer of someone who does, we want to hear from you.

Please take a few minutes to complete our survey. Your insights will help us understand the realities of abuse in sport and strengthen our case for change.

Take the Survey

How You Can Get Involved

  • Spread the Word: Share our campaign with friends, family, and local sports clubs. Help us advocate for safe environments where people feel empowered to disclose abuse in a safe and inclusive space.
  • Support the Research: Champion more research into the links between sexual violence, domestic abuse, and sport.
  • Promote Safe Sport: Push for better safeguarding in your local sports clubs, whether professional or grassroots.
  • Stay Informed: Follow our campaign to stay updated and learn more about the scale of the problem.

Change starts with you. Join us, because sport should never come with abuse

View previous campaigns posts

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