Local Firms Get Into The Christmas Spirit For Charity

Two local professional firms joined forces to organise two seminars which raised monies for ‘Stop Abuse For Everyone’ (SAFE).  Haines Watts Forensic, a national chartered accountancy firm and professional chartered financial planners and wealth advisers Towry, held the joint seminars in central Exeter.  The events, aimed at family law barristers and solicitors, focused on financial volatility during the divorce process and offered solutions to the impact on clients’ financial settlements.

The two events helped to raise money for Exeter-based SAFE with donations from delegates individually match-funded by both Haines Watts and Towry to a total of £400.00.

Lisa Crockford, Associate Partner – Haines Watts Forensic says: “Haines Watts Forensic and Towry offer complementary services during the divorce process and we quickly identified common issues we face and the benefit of offering a joint seminar to local family lawyers.  The seminars were well received and as a result we are looking to roll out more events across the South West region in the New Year.  As a business we always look to give something back to the local community and we are delighted to have raised much needed funds and awareness for this worthy cause.”

The majority of the monies raised will be utilised to buy Christmas presents for the women and children accommodated in the Exeter Refuge which offers refuge to victims fleeing domestic abuse.  And part of the proceeds will fund a special Christmas party for the dedicated charity volunteers who missed out on a festive celebration last year because of lack of funds.

Mark Wilkins, wealth advice manager, Towry says: “Given Towry’s work in the area of financial planning for families, it is a natural fit to join up with Haines Watts Forensic in providing these seminars, which  proved successful with local professionals. It is fantastic that the funds raised at the seminars for SAFE will help abused mothers and children in Exeter and the surrounding region.”

Stop Abuse for Everyone (SAFE) works with all affected by, and experiencing all forms of domestic violence and abuse in Exeter, East and Mid-Devon.  The work of the charity is part of a multi-agency strategy and is both effective and independent. 24% of the total recorded violent crime reported to Devon and Cornwall police is domestic abuse.  It is estimated that every £1 spent on SAFE services, represents a minimum saving of £3.20 to the public purse. SAFE’s Crisis/Helpline offers free and confidential support and every year receives about 2,000 calls which increase significantly over Christmas.

Chris Collier, Chair of Trustees SAFE says:  “The charity was established in Exeter 35 years ago and now has several services. Our Outreach team work in Exeter, East and Mid Devon offering a range of specialist services while a smaller team work alongside specialist police with high-risk victims. Our large and welcoming Refuge has 11 rooms and is available 24/7, 365 days a year.  This year, 71 women, 62 children and young people escaping domestic violence were accommodated there. Christmas is a very difficult time for these victims and I am so grateful to Haines Watts and Towry for providing much needed funds and raising awareness of our services.  We can now buy the children and the mothers, who normally put themselves last, Christmas presents and inject some fun and laughter into their lives.”

Monday 25th – Friday 29th November is ‘Domestic Violence Awareness Week’ SAFE is holding the following events in Exeter:
Tuesday 26th November – 1.30pm – 3.30pm - SAFE’s Open Day @ The Guildhall,– Presentations plus tea and cake.  RSVP: finance@Safe-Services.org.uk
Friday 29th November – 1 am – 3pm – Cyber Café (advice on how to stay safe on-line) @ St Stephens, High Street – Free refreshments and children’s play table