Words by Smiley Team
Last Christmas, a terrified parent of young children arrived at one of Hestia’s refuge centres, seeking shelter from traumatic events in their previous home. After being given warm beds to sleep in, supportive ears to listen to them, and toys to play with, the family felt safe at last.
However, the children had just one more worry: how would Father Christmas find them in their new home? Hearing the concern in their voices, a Hestia family worker led them outside to show them the chimney Father Christmas would climb down. They then helped them write letters to him, dispelling their fears and helping them feel more at ease.
This kind of support is vital for children fleeing domestic abuse at Christmas time. As Jo Tilley-Riley of Hestia says, “Those little moments such as when those little children asked when Santa will come, are just so important and we want every visitor to have that lovely Christmas experience.”
Every year, Hestia’s refuges receive thousands of donated presents so that every single resident gets something special from under the Christmas tree. Their 27 refuges across London are decorated and volunteers work around the clock to ensure families are comfortable.
But their hard work isn’t restricted to the festive season. Throughout the year they help adults and children regain their confidence and feel more at ease. Jo recounts the story of a little boy who arrived last summer in the shelter, whose life was transformed thanks to friendly support workers.
“At the beginning, he wouldn’t speak or interact with anyone,” Jo explains. Then a family worker noticed that the little boy was fascinated by planets and space. So she started designing activities based on his interest, including a space-themed birthday party for him.
“After that, he started coming out of his shell and interacting with all the other children. He was much more confident and able to talk with ease, which put him in a much better position to start school in September,” Jo adds.
To accommodate their guests, Hestia’s refuges offer plenty of shared space, including kitchens, gardens and living rooms, as well as private bedrooms to house families and individuals.
Upon arrival, families receive any essentials that they might need, such as toothbrushes or sanitary products. They are offered therapy, hot food, drinks and other support till they can relax and start recovering from whatever trauma they might have faced.
Hestia is London’s largest provider of refuges for adults and children fleeing domestic abuse, slavery or similar circumstances. Their refuges across the capital support thousands of women and children throughout the year.
To help them provide care to women and children this Christmas, donate here.
