Scroll to find out from Erica*, who came to us last Christmas and is still with us, how you can help us spread some festive cheer to the women and children we support at The Haven.
A message from Erica*
“Last year was the first Christmas I spent at The Haven. I remember arriving with my little ones a few days before Christmas. A small suitcase and a bag of nappies were all I had. I didn’t expect anything. But what we walked into was warmth and the start of something better.”
You made last Christmas magical…
There was a nicely decorated tree in the lounge and fairy lights twinkling on the windows. My daughter got her first warm winter coat in years. I got a pair of slippers. Sounds small, but when you haven’t felt warm in weeks, it means everything. And the toys! So many toys. She still sleeps with the teddy bear someone kindly donated.
“I’d never felt that kind of kindness from strangers before. I was wondering how I would make my children’s Christmas better after all the confusion of moving them from their family home – this made me feel even more sad. Due to the kindness and support I have received from The Haven and all the wonderful gifts, I was able to make my children’s Christmas wonderful. My experience here has given me hope for the future.”
This year, we are wishing for warmth…
Looking back, I’ve come to see that the real magic wasn’t in presents under the tree. It was in warmth, safety, and dignity. It was my child having proper shoes for the school run, sleeping peacefully under a duvet instead of a jacket, and not having to choose between topping up the gas or buying baby wipes.
For many of us, refuge was the first place we had control over the basics after years of neglect or financial abuse. Those small things meant everything. They didn’t just meet a need; they helped us heal.
Now that I’ve moved on, I’ll never forget what it meant. And this Christmas, I hope every woman at The Haven feels that same safety and care. The kind that shows life can be kind again, and the future really can be different.
*Erica’s name has been changed to protect her identity.
P.S. A little note on chocolate
Every child here will receive their own advent calendar and a sweet treat — so no need to donate sweets this year. Some mums are working hard to rebuild routines and healthy habits for their children, and we want to honour that as part of their healing.
How can you help?
We still want Christmas to sparkle, but we also want mums like Erica to know their children have what they need to face the cold months ahead. Last Christmas, the toy donations overflowed; a beautiful gesture of generosity. But at the same time, many mums quietly worried about how they’d keep their children warm through the winter.
So here are some ideas below:
Winter Warmers for Children
- Hats, scarves & gloves
- Winter coats & wellies
- Pyjamas & onesies
- Dressing gowns
- Slippers
- Socks
- Fun bedding
- Towels & baby towels
- Nappies (all sizes)
- Worry Monsters (they really do help)
Winter Warmers for Women
- Warm coats
- Comfortable nightwear
- Pants
- Socks
- Slippers
- Dressing gowns
- Self-care items
Please contact us for size needs or you can shop directly from our Amazon Wishlist by clicking on the link button below.
Drop-Off Dates:
Monday 24th November
Friday 5th December
Wednesday 10th December
Friday 12th December
Monday 15th December
Want to do even more?
If you’re in a position to give as a business — or know someone who is — please take a look at our Holly Jolly Haven appeal.
It’s a chance to sponsor one of our 10 Jolly Houses, helping to bring warmth, celebration and dignity to women and children who need it most.
There is also an opportunity for you to support our community outreach team by becoming a Secret Santa.
Your support reminds us that even in the toughest times, people still care. For those spending the season rebuilding their lives, that’s the greatest gift of all.
*Name changed to protect identity
Disclaimer: Please note that any additional gifts or financial donations received beyond our immediate needs will be thoughtfully redirected to support vulnerable children and families in our refuges and the wider community. These contributions may be used to fund enjoyable and enriching activities, provide birthday gifts, enhance accommodation to make it feel more like home, and improve shared living spaces. Your generosity helps us bring comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging to those who need it most.