Staff at Swindon’s Family Time Centre have swapped desks for downward dogs, completing a 50-day yoga challenge that has raised £2,342 for domestic abuse charity Society Without Abuse (SWA).
The effort was organised to mark 50 years of SWA supporting victims of domestic abuse in Swindon, as well as working with those responsible for abuse to help break the cycle of harm.
The Family Time Centre team, part of Swindon Borough Council, committed to 25 minutes of yoga every morning for 50 consecutive days. For most of the group, it was their first experience of yoga — but that did not stop them stretching themselves both physically and financially.
Sponsorship poured in from friends and relatives, foster carers, connected carers and colleagues across the Council. What began as a target of £1,000 quickly grew as donations continued to rise, eventually more than doubling the original goal.
The funds will go directly towards frontline services supporting people experiencing domestic abuse in Swindon, as well as programmes aimed at helping young people recognise and prevent abusive behaviour in future relationships.
Jackie Bibby, Centre Manager at the Family Time Centre, said the cause felt close to home.
“Each year we try to support a charity, and when we heard about SWA’s 50 for 50 challenge we knew we wanted to get involved,” she said. “Some of the families we work with have been affected by domestic abuse, so raising awareness and backing the charity’s work really matters to us.
“We chose yoga as a way to improve our own wellbeing while taking part. Only one member of the team had tried it before, but as the days went on we all began to feel the benefits. Once we reached our initial target, the encouragement we received from everyone coming through our doors pushed us to aim higher.”
Natasha Moyles, Operations Manager at SWA, thanked the team for their commitment.
“We’re hugely thankful to the staff at the Family Time Centre for taking on this challenge,” she said. “The money raised will support people in Swindon who are rebuilding their lives after domestic abuse and coping with the impact of trauma.”
Anyone needing advice or support relating to domestic abuse can contact Swindon’s domestic abuse helpline on 01793 610610.
Further information about Society Without Abuse is available via the charity’s website.
