A charity working to break the cycle of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking has been selected by law firm Goughs Solicitors as its charity of the year.
FearLess, based in Trowbridge, supports more than 3,500 adults and children every year – not only keeping them safe but helping them to rebuild their lives free from fear and abuse.
The charity’s support is tailored to the individual’s needs and experiences – from crisis intervention through to one-to-one or group work recovery sessions, specialised employment and education programmes.
FearLess recognises that abuse has no bounds and all its services are free and open to all genders, sexualities, backgrounds and beliefs.
Goughs Solicitors, which has seven offices across Wiltshire, including in Chippenham, Trowbridge, Melksham and Corsham, said it was thrilled to be supporting a charity that shared many of its core values while supporting and inspiring future generations.
The firm’s staff have already started fundraising for FearLess, with a number taking part in the Corsham 10K and one running the London Marathon.
They are now looking forward to taking part in further events and challenges during the next year to support FearLess, including the Cotswold Way Walk in June, the Bath Half in October and possibly an autumn skydive.
Goughs partner Emma Taylor said: “There are so many local charities that provide essential advice and support to the local community and as such it became very difficult to select only one.
“However, we are delighted to be able to work with such a forward-thinking charity that looks as much to the future of the individuals it supports as it does in supporting them in the present.
“We look forward to seeing what the year ahead brings and what we can achieve collaboratively.”
FearLess head of fundraising Jessica Gay added: “We are thrilled that FearLess has been chosen by Goughs’ colleagues as their charity of the year.
“Demand for our life-changing services are at an all-time high, caused in part by Covid and the cost of living crisis.
“As such our partnership with Goughs is going to make an even greater impact ensuring we’re there to support people when they need us most.
“Together, we will be raising vital funds to help families rebuild their lives free from fear and raising needed awareness to break the taboo around abuse.”
Goughs Solicitors fundraising efforts for last year’s charity, Julia’s House children's hospice, ranged from a sky dive to an in-house bake-off, dress-down days and a pub quiz and helped bring in more than £3,000.
The firm, which was established in 1882, employs 100 people providing legal services for both individuals and businesses including divorce & separation, arrangements for children, employment, Wills, Trusts & Probate, commercial & residential property services and real estate & corporate services.
Pictured, from left: FearLess fundraising manager Jessica Gay; Goughs family lawyer Natalie Kemp – who ran the London Marathon to raise funds for the charity; FearLess CEO Claire Marshall; and Goughs family lawyer Mark Hood
