Together4Bristol : Merry Christmas from One25

Merry Christmas from One25

Christmas and the end of the year often brings with it time for reflections: of what the past year has brought and what the new will hold. This year at One25 has undoubtedly been challenging and, at times, incredibly sad. We have said goodbye to services, beloved colleagues, and incredible women. We have seen the needs of the women increase and their circumstances become more complex. We have come together as a team, celebrated women’s successes like moving into accommodation, or making a first step to recovery. As always, we are astounded by the resilience and strength the women show in adversity.

To mark the season with the women, we hosted a festive lunch at health hub with all the trimmings. 18 women joined us for food, fun and questionable carol singing from the team! We’re so grateful to the volunteers, staff and women for making it such a wonderful celebration.
One woman wrote us this message:

We understand that Christmas can be a tough time for the women and we want to make sure they feel as supported as possible over the Christmas break so are planning for the van to go out nearly every night while the office is closed. We are giving out presents on the van - some women choose to take these with them, so they have something to open on Christmas Day.

We held our first large in-person event last month, to mark the beginning of our Christmas appeal and to bring together staff, supporters, trustees, friends, and family. It was a very special night, full of celebration, beautiful speeches, and phenomenal musical performances from Julia Loveless and our own Lu Cook. We are so grateful to everyone who joined us and for those who couldn’t, you can read Amy’s reflections from the night.
Our Christmas appeal is now over – thank you to everyone who gave, your kindness and generosity is always overwhelming. One25 can’t exist without you.

To our outstanding staff, trusted trustees, vital volunteers, committed health professionals, fantastic partners, steadfast supporters, and wonderful women – thank you for standing with us and for all you have given. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.