I would like to thank all of you who have supported the work of the Dorset Domestic Abuse Forum & Welfare Group and the many service providers in the past year.

At this time of celebration, the amazing donations to the Echo’s Christmas Appeal have been wonderful to help families in Refuge and living in the community to enjoy what so many of us, at times, take for granted.

We would like to send a huge ‘Thank You’ to the wider community - who have made donations of gifts, food and money not just for Christmas but through-out the whole year to help support the services provided for all people, of any age and gender, living within or left an abusive relationships - where we have been able to give support and help.

The year has been extremely difficult with lock downs, isolating, no face to face support or meetings at times and needing to get used to working with new technology but everyone has managed as best they can and done amazing work to help so many.

This work will continue every year what ever else happens around us, that is thanks to you and your generosity. Donations and gifts, often arriving with no name or address to where thanks can be sent.

I hope you will please take this letter as our thanks to you all for you continued support for the work done by the Domestic Abuse service providers.

These services are here for anyone, any time, who needs help.

Any age, any gender. No one needs to live with fear or trauma, there is help available.

Please ring 0800 032 5204 for help and advice or visit Dorset Council website - Domestic Abuse link to the pages that can give you contact addresses or telephone numbers for many of the organisations who could help.

If you are in immediate danger please ring 999 at any time, day or night and help will be there.

The support is there for you and available for you, even during these difficult Covid times please contact us on 0800 032 5204 24-hour helpline number.

Thank you to you all again.

With Best wishes for a Safe & Happy New Year

Molly Rennie

Councillor, Dorchester East

Chair, Dorset Dometic Abuse Forum