While the winter holidays can be a time of joy and togetherness, for people who are at risk, they can also be a time of stress. Here at Random Acts, we are always eager to find ways to provide kindness and alleviate some of that stress. Regional Representative Manager Nicole Kirby worked with A Way Out in Northeast England to provide gifts for the vulnerable women and families in their care.
Providing A Way Out
A Way Out is an “outreach and prevention charity which aims to engage, empower and equip vulnerable and excluded women, families and young people to live lives free from harm, abuse and exploitation and to reduce life limiting choices and behaviour.” They offer a variety of services, including female-only drop-in days, access to mental health counseling, in-house family wrap-around services, youth outreach, incarceration diversion, and targeted support to survivors of sex trafficking.
Nicole became aware of the charity through a mutual contact, and she reached out to A Way Out to see how she could help to meet their needs. They were collecting Christmas gifts at the time and gave Nicole a list of suitable gifts.
Giving During Covid-19
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they were under a nationwide lockdown at the time, so Nicole had to shop online.
A couple items had to be replaced due to some shipping damage, but otherwise, there were no hitches.
Nicole dropped off the gifts at the Centre. She shared that “having shopped online, then dropping off in this way, can feel a bit disconnected from the beneficiaries — but I don’t need to meet anyone to know it will be appreciated.”
How To Get Involved
Of course, the need for service, giving, and random acts of kindness extends beyond the holiday season. A Way Out has opportunities to get involved in their mission. Additionally, if you are interested in getting involved with those at risk in your own community, reach out to your local Random Acts Regional Representative.
