Nursing students inspired by work with domestic abuse sufferers

A group of nursing students from Birmingham City University have been inspired by their experience of working with vulnerable women and their children to fundraise for a charity that provides support and shelter for those fleeing domestic abuse.

The six students, who are all enrolled on the University 's Children and Young People 's Nursing degree, got to know a number of survivors while working on placement during the pandemic - a period in which lockdown restrictions worsened the situation for many experiencing violence and abuse at home.

Touched by their stories and witnessing first-hand the emotional, physical and psychological impact that domestic abuse had upon them, the students resolved to do more to help beyond providing immediate healthcare.

As such, they are running a 'Best of Birmingham ' draw, open to everyone, with prizes such as dinner and drinks, theatre tickets, tours and tastings at well-known venues from across the city, including The REP, Cadbury World and The Birmingham Wine School on offer.

The students have set a fundraising target of £1,500 with all proceeds raised from the prize draw going towards 'emergency packs ' of toiletries, pyjamas and other essential items for those fleeing abuse, which the students themselves will put together and which will be distributed by Birmingham and Solihull Women 's Aid.

In 2018, staff at Birmingham City University voted for Birmingham and Solihull Women 's Aid alongside Acorn 's Children 's Hospice as its chosen charities. In the same year, the University began research into the services that refuges and places of safety provide, and how they can better meet the needs of those fleeing domestic abuse.

Abbie Bolton, who is in the third year of her Children and Young People 's Nursing degree, is one of the students involved in the fundraiser. Abbie said:

“As Children's nurses, we work to preserve the safety of children and young people, and their families, and having met those who have experienced abuse and finding out about what they were going through, we wanted to do more to help.

“That 's why the money we 're raising for Birmingham and Solihull Women 's Aid will go towards packs of everyday items for those in refuges who have often left their homes at very short notice and might not have had time to pack the basic things they need like toothbrushes and shampoo and the like. By providing these items, we can help make their transition a bit more comfortable. ”

The students approached lecturer Charlotte Grundy with their idea for the fundraising draw. Together with Charlotte, the students sourced prizes from hospitality and leisure venues across Birmingham and were delighted with the response.

Initially, the prizes were offered to fellow students, friends and family but even though well over half of the £1,500 fundraising target has been reached, prizes are being open to anyone who wants to enter the draw.

Lecturer in Children and Young People 's Nursing, Charlotte Grundy, said: “I 'm really proud of what our students are doing to support the work of Birmingham and Solihull Women's Aid, who do so much to help women and children feeling abuse.

“An increase in domestic violence and abuse was another unwelcome consequence of the pandemic and organisations like Birmingham and Solihull Women's Aid provided vital support throughout this period and continue to do so.

“I 'm also very grateful to the companies we approached who were very keen to help and who have offered up some great prizes. Everyone 's come together to support what is a very worthwhile cause. ”

Tickets for The Best of Birmingham Mega Prize Draw in support of Birmingham and Solihull Women 's Aid can be purchased from the Children and Young People 's Nursing students ' Crowdfunder page, where there are full details of all the prizes available.

Tickets cost from £5, and the draw is open until Sunday 20 March.

Winners will be announced during a live draw taking place in the week commencing Monday 16 May.

Pictured: Nursing student Abbie Bolton (left) and lecturer Charlotte Grundy (right)