Step into the new year with Warwick-based charity's fundraiser

A Warwick-based charity will be launching a new fundraiser this week where residents can show their support by 'stepping' into the new year.

Safeline, which helps and supports those affected by sexual abuse and rape, is launching its 'Steps4Safeline' campaign.

The charity is encouraging residents across the county to sign up to do as many steps (or miles/kilometres) as they can between December 26, 2020 and March 31, 2021 to help raise awareness and funds for the much-needed work that Safeline does.

'Steps4Safeline' can be a solo challenge or a family one and the charity is also encouraging residents with dogs to join in with #PawsforSafeline.

The charity says the challenge could also be done with friends or as an ‘inhouse’ work challenge where people compete with their colleagues to get the most steps in during this time.

Safeline Steppers - Safeline’s development team Emma and Rachael - are taking on the challenge of walking/running/swimming 627 miles between them.

Rachael said: "We are planning to ‘walk’ between Truro and Aberdeen (where our furthest north and south donors are from).

"We have chosen to take part in Steps4Safeline as we want to raise awareness of the fantastic work our colleagues do for survivors of sexual abuse or rape as well as raise much needed funds.

"They are a wonderful team of people and without them Safeline couldn’t keep supporting those who need it.

"Since October, 48 per cent of our referrals have been for young people under 16 – an increase of 20 per cent on last year."

Neil Henderson, CEO of Safeline, said: "Safeline is offering you a great opportunity to keep yourself fit and active over the Christmas period, burn off the excesses of the festive period, (create space for more), and at the same time, make life better and safer for others, a wonderful combination.

"By getting involved in Steps4Safeline, it will be great way to improve your own mental health and the mental health of others.

"All the proceeds we make from Steps4Safeline, will go towards our services that help prevent the sexual abuse of vulnerable children and support those already affected.

"Closing schools because of Covid, has led to a significant increase in the level of abuse of children and young people and they need our support more than ever so they can cope and recover and lead fulfilling lives.

"So when you go for a festive walk, make a donation using Safeline’s just giving page, and help benefit others as well as yourselves.

"Or be creative and think of a challenge and get others to support you as well. Have a great Christmas."

For more details of this campaign or to sign up, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/steps4safelineIf anyone would like to talk to the Safeline Steppers about the campaign, or their ideas, email: [email protected]

To sponsor Rachael and Emma go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/safeline-steppers