Moonstones supports women and families fleeing domestic abuse, with urgent care packages at the point of breaking free. “Domestic abuse is not simply hard to talk about, for many it’s hard to escape. Some can just walk out the door, some cannot, and some never make it to the door.”
Founder, Kerry McGarrigle shares what led her to found her organisation
I started Moonstones during the pandemic. Whilst volunteering for another community group, providing food parcels, I became aware of a person that was asking for support with just about everything. When I attended the property, I found that all three families living there had fled domestic abuse, taking nothing with them.
After some research I discovered that within Crawley, there was not a single organisation that provided the basic items for families in the same situation. I contacted a friend who runs a local charity to discuss what I’d need to do to establish a basic but much needed support for these families. After many Zoom calls, late nights, and with a small army of amazing volunteers willing to join me on the journey, Moonstones was born!
Can you tell us about the families that come to you and why they need your support?
We support families and individuals that have had to relocate and are moving into or out of Crawley. They are referred to us by an appropriate professional. If you are in that situation, all you want to do is have a shower, wrap yourself in a nice soft towel and have a cup of tea. That requires toiletries, a towel, a kettle, a mug. Things we take for granted, on a daily basis.
When you go into a hostel with the local authority, you do not get provided these items. You get basic furniture and a microwave, but not a lot else.
What do you provide for these families?
We provide two types of care packages, to cover the practicalities of day to day living. The temporary accommodation package contains bedding, towels, a kettle, dinner set, cutlery, and toiletries. The fresh start package also includes additional kitchen items. Basic items you need that weren’t being provided by other organisations.
How are you funded?
We have secured funding from local authority grants, The Longley Trust, and the Police Property Fund. As you can imagine, we are always looking for other sources of funds which is a challenge when you do not yet have charitable status. We have also benefited from small donations, from local supermarkets, for our care packages.
What are your ambitions for Moonstones?
To keep progressing and growing to become established as a registered charity. We started within our local area but I would love to extend our services throughout Sussex, in order to support as many individuals and family units as possible. We are also looking to collaborate with Ten Little Toes Baby Bank to organise a charity motorbike ride with the aim of raising awareness and funds.
How can people access your support?
Domestic violence is all too prevalent with many people suffering in silence not knowing who to turn to. It knocks your confidence and impacts self esteem. Survival isn’t always easy, I know that from experience, but it is possible, and hopefully through the support of Moonstones project, so can others.
Anybody looking for help can contact Kerry:
support@moonstones.org.uk or visit: www.moonstones.org.uk
