Rising Sun WIN at Kent Charity Awards!

As part of the application process, two judges came to our offices to learn more about the work that we do every day. Sharon Mottram and Rebecca Pooley asked us excellent questions and let us speak about what we care about most: providing safe futures for adults and children who have been impacted by domestic abuse. We shared some of the feedback that we recently received from a survivor who attends Café, our weekly drop-in supportive group for women to find friendship and community when they are in a place of safety after abuse:

“When I first heard about Café I was unsure. I hadn’t fully accepted that I was a victim and felt like I was an imposter. After attending Cafe for only a few weeks, I felt safe, truly safe, which wasn’t a feeling I’d had for a long time. Café taught me I wasn’t alone, and it wasn’t my fault. Through the years I have attended, my confidence has grown, as has my self-worth. I have achieved things I never felt possible, and have met women who have inspired me and have become some of my closest friends. Without Café, I don’t know where I would be, but what I do know is that I wouldn’t be the woman I am today, someone I am proud of.”

We also discussed the origins of Rising Sun as one of the country’s first women’s refuges in the mid-1970s, being set up by a group of forward-thinking feminists in a student squat before moving to a disused pub: The Rising Sun, where we got our name. It’s always a privilege to be able to share the lifechanging work that we do. Did you know that we supported over 1,500 adults and children via our one-to-one services last year? Every single person that we work with has a unique story, perspective, and a different path towards safety and recovery. After sharing not only what we do, but discussing why we do it, the only thing left was to wait for the announcement of the winner.

It was an honour to be amongst the best charities in Kent at the Ashford International Hotel for the awards evening gala, getting dressed up in our finery and being treated to a delicious meal. We felt so inspired by all the work that the incredible finalists do. Elaine, our Head of Adult Services, said:

“Every charity, trustee, and volunteer puts so much into making Kent a better place to live. To be celebrated together was truly special”

Winning this award means so much to us. It shows that the dedication and passion of every member of the team has been recognised as exceptional. In a time where our community feels increasingly divided, it’s a much-needed confirmation that Kent cares about women, children, and ending domestic abuse together.