More than 400 children at a Swindon primary school have taken part in a mile-long run to highlight the importance of healthy relationships and raise awareness of domestic abuse.
Pupils aged between three and 11 at Moredon Primary School swapped classrooms for trainers as they joined together for a Run For HOPE, marking the school’s involvement in a pioneering education programme run by charity Society Without Abuse (SWA).
Moredon was one of the first schools to achieve the HOPE Award, which focuses on teaching children age-appropriate lessons around friendship, respect and positive behaviour. The programme also provides specialist training for staff and positions the school as a safe point of support for families who may be experiencing abuse at home.
The run saw classes complete a full mile together, either individually or as part of a relay, with pupils proudly wearing the HOPE colours of green and orange. Alongside raising awareness, the event also generated funds to support SWA’s work with children and families across Swindon.
Headteacher Claire Leach said the initiative reflected the school’s wider values.
“The training we received has been invaluable in helping us better support our children and families,” she said. “Run For HOPE gave us a meaningful way to celebrate our achievement and reinforce the message that looking out for one another matters.”
For SWA, the event was about far more than running.
Emma Maclennan, Children and Families Manager at the charity, said it was encouraging to see pupils putting their learning into action. “Run For HOPE is a positive and enjoyable way for children to remember what it means to be a good friend,” she said. “By taking part, they are also helping other children in Swindon who are recovering from the impact of domestic abuse.”
She added that schools play a crucial role within their communities. “Having familiar places where families feel safe asking for advice can make a huge difference. When schools are equipped with the right knowledge, they can help change lives.”
Schools interested in joining the HOPE Programme in 2026 can contact SWA for further details.
Anyone seeking advice or support relating to domestic abuse can contact Swindon’s domestic abuse helpline on 01793 610610. More information about Society Without Abuse is available at www.societywithoutabuse.org.uk.
