Swindon and Wiltshire SARC

28/07/2025

Abuse doesn’t end when the final whistle blows at the Euros.

In the UK, football clubs make up just 12% of all sports clubs, but this isn’t just about football. It’s about all sports.

Each one can be linked to sexual violence and domestic abuse, affecting children and adults of any gender.

Our campaign, “They Think It’s All Over”, aims to highlight the hidden areas of sport where abuse can occur.

More research is urgently needed to understand the connection between sport, sexual violence, and domestic abuse – so we can address it properly.

With over 151,000 sports clubs across the UK – from elite leagues to grassroots teams – we’re calling for more training to protect players, fans, families, and communities.

Because no one should fear abuse when they step onto the pitch, court, or field.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Share your experience in our short, anonymous survey:
💬 No personal details are collected
⏱️ Takes just a few minutes
📢 Helps us campaign for better safeguarding and free training for grassroots clubs
👉 Complete the survey here: https://www.firstlight.org.uk/sports-survey/

Please share with your friends and family.
Together, we can make sport safer for everyone.

28/07/2025

24/07/2025

Stay Informed, Get Involved!

Join our supportive community by signing up for our newsletter and learn about the important work we are doing to ensure every voice is heard, supported, and believed.

Our newsletter is your go-to source for:
• Campaigns: Stay updated on our latest initiatives.
• Training: Access valuable resources and training sessions to empower yourself and others.
• Webinars: Participate in insightful webinars led by experts in the field.
• Fundraising: Learn about our fundraising initiatives and how you can get involved.
• And More: Be the first to know about all our activities and events!

👉 Sign up now and together, we can create change: https://www.firstlight.org.uk/enewsletter/

22/07/2025

We were delighted to welcome Geraint Richards MVO, The High Sheriff of Cornwall, to our Safer Futures Service yesterday.

It was a fantastic opportunity to share the important work we’re doing across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to support anyone affected by domestic abuse. We had some great conversations about how we’re making sure everyone feels heard, believed, and supported.

Thank you to Geraint Richards MVO for taking the time to visit, meet the team, and learn more about what we do.

18/07/2025

14/07/2025

Want to work in a supportive team and help to change the lives of people affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence?

First Light have a range of amazing opportunities waiting for you.

Take a moment to explore all our latest vacancies and find the perfect fit for you.

👉 Check out our vacancies: https://www.firstlight.org.uk/job-vacancies/

03/07/2025

🧸 Meet Jessy, Our New Worry Bear! 🧸

Yesterday, we had a very special visitor at the office in Swindon — Jessy the bear! 🐻

Lovingly handmade by the mother of one of our kind supporters, Jessy has joined us to offer comfort and companionship during our sessions with children and young people. Thoughtful gestures like this remind us how powerful community care can be.

Jessy will be a gentle presence in our space, helping to ease worries and bring a little extra warmth to those who need it most.

A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful person who brought Jessy to us — and to their talented mum for creating such a beautiful gift. 💛

25/06/2025

We Need Your Help

With just a few minutes of your time, you can help us provide free safeguarding training to grassroots sports clubs.

Through our “They Think It’s All Over” campaign, we’ve been highlighting the dark corners of sport where abuse remains a hidden reality. We know that grassroots clubs face unique challenges, and we want to help.

But to offer the right support, we first need to understand the full scale of the issue and the barriers clubs face when it comes to safeguarding.

We’re asking coaches, club staff, volunteers, parents, and players to share their experiences and insights with us through a short, anonymous survey.

💬 No personal details will be collected
⏱️ It takes just a few minutes to complete
📢 Your input will help us campaign for better safeguarding resources and free training for grassroots clubs

No one should fear abuse on the field, court, or pitch.

We can make sport safer for everyone 👉 https://www.firstlight.org.uk/sports-survey/

Please complete our anonymous survey & share it with your network.

20/06/2025

Want to work in a supportive team and help to change the lives of people affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence?

First Light have a range of amazing opportunities waiting for you.

Take a moment to explore all our latest vacancies and find the perfect fit for you.

👉 Check out our vacancies https://www.firstlight.org.uk/job-vacancies/

12/06/2025

11/06/2025

Thank you so much to Benedicta from PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Su***de Charity for attending our Swindon & Wiltshire ISVA Team Meeting today.

It was inspiring to hear about the impactful work they do in supporting under 35-year-olds experiencing thoughts of su***de, as well as anyone concerned that a young person might be contemplating su***de.

Papyrus offers a 24/7 helpline for anyone in need: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/contact-us/