After reading our last post, a lovely lady came by the shop today with a bag of goods for the survivor we had to assist yesterday. She had no idea what to purchase, but recognised that the survivor, coming from an African/Caribbean heritage background would need certain specific products. It really touched us that she would go to that length. She was shocked to learn that because of the many mourners to London, hotels are more than triple the price. To support the abuse victim for 3 nights, food, travel & to completely kit her and her two toddlers out, cost us over £1000. Thankfully @safelives_ had allocated a small budget for our emergencies, and the community always supports. More and more people are understanding that although different cultures have some things in common, there's a lot that we don't. This is why it's essential that we have that specialist refuge/respite safe space that can cater for specific cultural needs. I REALLY CAN'T COMPREHENDING WHY THIS HASN'T NOT YET BEEN ACHIEVED FOR BLACK WOMEN. THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT REFUGES FOR EVERY OTHER GROUPS, BUT NOT FOR AND BY BLACK WOMEN Imagine if you will, a place where you don't have to live in fear of racism or discrimination, where you can see yourself reflected. Where they understand your hair, your skin, your food and your journey in a sometimes extremely hostile environment thus far. Most are in high rise flats, no access to a garden and the seaside is not an affordable option. MOST OF THE MAIN REFUGES DON'T HAVE A CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING of certain demographics. We do believe that changes are happening, but too slowly for those in need now. YOU CAN HELP US CHANGE THAT. SHARE OUR APPEAL TO RAISE FUNDS FOR OUR SAFE SISTAH SPACE. PLEASE DONATE, THEN TAG AN INFLUENCER OR OTHER FAMOUS PERSON WHO WILL HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO ACHIEVE. ASK THEM TO SHARE THE POST PLEASE. TAG YOUR FRIEND, NEIGHBOUR, COLLEAGUES, A BANK OR BUSINESS YOU DONATED £3000 IN LESS THAN 48 HOURS, BUT WE STILL HAVE £97,000 TO FIND REMEMBER, LINK IN BIO, PLEASE CONTINUE TO SHARE AND DONATE. WE CAN'T LET THE ABUSE VICTIMS FEEL ALONE, SHOW SOME MORE LOVE ❤ THANK YOU 🙏🏽