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Samaritans here to help
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Radio Berkshire DJ becomes first patron of domestic abuse charity EXCLUSIVE By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A FINCHAMPSTEAD charity has appointed its first-ever patron — and it’s stayed true to its local roots.
A READING man is joining the Samaritans festive campaign, after being supported by the charity himself. Jason, pictured, reached out for support after breaking up with the mother of his son, and the death of his mother. “Although it was one of the hardest things I have done – that phone call changed my life and put me on a new path,” the 50-year-old said. “Samaritans gave me hope and helped me to find my purpose again.” Volunteers at the Reading branch will be among around 1,500 nationwide volunteers expected to answer calls for help on Christmas Day. Christmas will be a tough time for some — even without a pandemic to deal with — said the charity. Its latest research revealed that being separated from family and loved ones over the Christmas period is one of the biggest concerns facing callers. Volunteers across the Thames Valley will be there round-the-clock throughout December to make sure someone is there to listen to anyone who is feeling alone or struggling. Reading Samaritans branch director, Ali Chapman, said: “We know that Christmas can be difficult for many people. It’s a time when loneliness and everyday issues can really hit home which might be heightened this year. Confidential support is available 24/7, and that we are there for everyone this Christmas. Mental health struggles, isolation, trauma, and suicidal thoughts don't take a break just because it's Christmas day, in fact they can be amplified. Samaritans has never been a more vital lifeline.” Last Christmas, Samaritans responded to more than a quarter of a million calls for help, with more than 10,000 calls on Christmas Day. � For more information or to support Reading Samaritans, visit: www.samaritans.org/branches/ reading or call 116 123
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Kaleidoscopic UK, a charity which raises awareness of and supports people dealing with domestic abuse, has grown in size recently. Michelle Jordan has joined the charity to cheerlead it. The BBC Berkshire radio host, who is known for talking about local issues on her show, Michelle On The Move, will now continue to open up discussions about domestic abuse away from the mic. “I like to help in any way I can to raise awareness of abuse,” Ms Jordan said. “After having witnessed first-
hand one of my friends suffer at the hands of her abuser and feeling helpless, I never want to feel like that again. “I know that some people have nowhere to turn, so the work Kaleidoscopic UK does could be life changing and life saving.” By becoming the charity’s newest patron, Ms Jordan will continue to advocate for domestic abuse awareness and support Kaleidoscopic UK in whatever way she can. “If through my social media and my general gobbiness I can help this wonderful charity, then bring it on,” she added. And Vickie Robertson, founder of Kaleidoscopic UK, is thrilled to have the radio host on board. “I can’t even put into words how over the moon I am,” Ms Robertson said. “I’ve spoken to Michelle a few
Council teams up with Berkshire Women’s Aid IN A BID to raise awareness of domestic abuse this Christmas, Wokingham Borough Council has joined forces with a local charity. It has teamed up with Berkshire Women’s Aid to let people know what support is available over the festive season. “There is no room for abuse in our community,” said Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure. “All of our residents deserve to feel safe in their own home, yearround and at Christmas.” The festive season can often be a distressing time of year for anybody experiencing domestic abuse. And according to Wokingham Borough Council, the coronavirus pandemic is only making things
worse as it leaves people even more isolated and vulnerable. Andrea West, CEO of Berkshire Women’s Aid, now wants to remind people that if they are experiencing domestic abuse, they are not alone. “You will be believed and you will be heard,” she said. “We know that it is not an easy decision to reach out and ask for help, especially with the added pressures that Christmas can bring in a family environment.” Ms West says the charity has seen a dramatic increase in the number of women, men and families seeking support this year. And this is echoed by Vickie Robertson, founder of Finchampstead-based domestic abuse charity Kaleidoscopic UK. “Unfortunately, going into Tier 4
Radio presenter Michelle Jordan has become the charity's first patron
“She’s opening up these conversations, making it less taboo, and the fact that she has been touched by domestic abuse in her own life was one of the driving forces behind her becoming a patron — I couldn’t think of a more fitting person.” Commenting on Michelle’s appointment, a spokesperson for Kaleidoscopic UK added: “Michelle is loved by us all locally and beyond for her honest, bubbly and fun radio shows reaching far and wide. “With her knowledge around domestic abuse, plus being an inspirational woman in all respects, we couldn’t think of a better suited person. “Thank you Michelle for believing in us.”
times on domestic abuse and she’s been such an amazing advocate on the radio, spreading awareness.
� For more information about Kaleidoscopic UK and the support services it provides, visit: www.kaleidoscopic.uk
has made things slightly more difficult as people will find it harder to access support,” she explained. “It might not be easy for people to reach out if they’re with their partner and at home for the entire Christmas period.” Wokingham Borough Council is now encouraging residents to contact Berkshire Women’s Aid if they are in need of help this winter on 0118 950 4003, or to visit www.berkshirewomensaid.org.uk. The charity’s phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The council is also offering a free support service for those who are no longer with their abusive partner, called the Home Refuge Scheme. It aims to help people by increasing home security, by providing door chains, viewers and window locks. To find out more about the Home Refuge team, email home.refuge@wokingham.gov.uk
or call: 0118 974 3799. Kaleidoscopic UK is also running a range of services over the festive period, including online support groups To find out more, visit www.kaleidoscopic.uk In a non-emergency, people can also: � Call 101 or make a report on the Thames Valley Police Website (www.thamesvalley.police.uk) � Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 � Call the Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010327 � Call Mankind, a helpline for male victims on 01823 334244 � Call Galop, a helpline for members of the LGBT+ community on 0800 999 5428 � Contact Victims First at www.victims-first.org.uk � Call SAFE! for victims of crime aged 5-18 on 0800 1337938 In an emergency, dial 999 and contact police.
Independent business booms
Over the last year, Wokingham’s town centre has seen a lot of regeneration. Elms Field became home to a new Starbucks, and clothing store This Little Piggy and technology retailer Pratts and Pods also settled in the area. Peach Place has continued to thrive too, the council adds, as independent businesses including eActiv Lounge and Blue Orchid Bakery moved in. Earlier this year, Twyford saw a number of new enterprises open their doors in the village. These included Rural Pie Co., Lincoln Coffee House, and new interior design store Victoria & Co. Woodley has become home to La’De Kitchen, a family-owned Mediterranean restaurant, and Parkers Creations which sells an array of candle and wax melt gifts. Now, residents are told to ‘watch this space’ as Rynd is due to launch in Wokingham Town Hall next year, taking over from The Courtyard with a Californian-inspired diner.
WOKINGHAM is the place to shop locally, according to the borough council. Despite the pandemic, new businesses are continuing to move into the area, bucking national trends. According to Cllr Charlotte Haitham-Taylor, executive member for regeneration, Wokingham’s residents are keen to shop locally and have been flocking to the town to support its independent businesses throughout the coronavirus crisis. “We know it’s been a tough time for businesses this year, but the outlook in Wokingham borough remains very positive,” she said. “And people are continuing to observe the latest guidelines and shop considerately, wearing masks, washing hands and leaving people plenty of space to socially distance so it feels like a safer place to be.”
