Music once again proved its power to bring people together, as this year’s High Sheriff’s Concert raised almost £10,000 to support the work of Swindon domestic abuse charity Society Without Abuse (SWA).
Hosted by the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Dr Alexander Goodwin, on behalf of Rotary Swindon Cares, the fundraising arm of the Rotary Club of Swindon, the annual event generated £9,842.88 through ticket sales and generous donations from the audience.
Held at Christ Church in Old Town, the concert featured performances from the JTP Trust Youth Choir and local close-harmony favourites Ten in A Bar, with music lovers from across the community helping to ensure another successful evening of fundraising.
Presenting the cheque alongside Rotary Club of Swindon President Debbie Vincent, Dr Goodwin reflected on how his year in office has deepened his understanding of domestic abuse.
“In the four months I have been High Sheriff, my eyes have been opened to what domestic abuse is all about,” he said. “Having been at the front end of medical care I had seen some of the effects of domestic abuse, but meeting people and the charities that support victims has made it clear that it is a much more common problem. It needs to be tackled through education and by raising awareness. Well done to SWA and I hope this wonderful cheque will help continue the great work.”
The Rotary Club has supported SWA for many years, including through proceeds from its annual Charity Ball. Debbie Vincent praised the charity’s continued impact across the town.
“SWA is a wonderful charity and one that has gone from strength to strength over the years,” she said. “It is so important to support the work it does and help secure these vital services for the future.”
Accepting the donation on behalf of the charity, SWA Chief Executive Kate Rowland said the annual concert had become one of the organisation’s most valued fundraising events.
“Over the past 20 years the High Sheriff’s Concert has earned a reputation as not only a wonderful evening of music, but also as an opportunity for the community to come together to support our programmes of prevention, early intervention and education,” she said.
She highlighted the charity’s work supporting victims of domestic abuse, delivering healthy relationship education to thousands of young people, helping employers become domestic abuse aware and running behaviour-change programmes aimed at preventing repeat offending.
The funds raised will help SWA continue providing support to victims and families across Swindon while expanding the education and prevention work that seeks to stop abuse before it begins.
Anyone needing advice or support relating to domestic abuse can contact SWA’s confidential helpline on 01793 610610.
