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First Light

@firstlightsw.bsky.social

First Light is a leading charity supporting and empowering survivors of sexual violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, and church-related abuse.

127 Followers  |  5 Following  |  130 Posts  |  Joined: 19.11.2024  |  1.5912

Latest posts by firstlightsw.bsky.social on Bluesky

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Due to Storm Goretti, some of our services and teams are being impacted by travel restrictions and power outages.

We are doing everything we can to continue operating as usual, but there may be some delays or disruptions.

For online resources and support firstlight.org.uk/resource-hub/

09.01.2026 11:31 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Thank you for standing with us and ensuring every voice is heard, believed, and supported.

From all of us at First Light, we wish you a safe, happy, and joyous festive season and an amazing New Year.

24.12.2025 12:24 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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We are proud to stand with colleagues across the sexual violence sector.

Together, we express serious concerns about the sale and promotion of self-swab โ€˜rape kits.โ€™ Survivors deserve clarity, safety, and informed choices.

22.12.2025 10:55 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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First Light Impact Report 2024 - 2025 - First Light We are proud to share this yearโ€™s impact report. Our report highlights a growing need for support, but it also reflects the power of compassion, collaboration, and commitment. Together, we supported 2...

We are proud to share our Impact Report for 2024 - 2025

None of this could happen without YOU, our volunteers, donors, fundraisers, partners, and staff. Thank you for standing with us

๐Ÿ‘‰ www.firstlight.org.uk/news_and_sto...

15.12.2025 15:10 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Huge thanks to Kate, one of our ISVAs, who joined the Wiltshire Police team

Kate shared:
"Sometimes victims donโ€™t want to talk to police, they might be worried or scared, so working together like this really helps women in Swindon and Wiltshire"

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

12.12.2025 11:31 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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We can all stand for change every day.

Abuse affect people in every community.

We help make sure every voice is heard, believed and supported.

If you want resources, visit: www.firstlight.org.uk/resource-hub/

Thank you for standing with us.

#Stand4Change #16DaysofAction

10.12.2025 14:05 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Coercive control is one of the most common forms of domestic abuse.

It is also one of the hardest to recognise. It happens slowly, often hidden behind everyday behaviour.

Many people do not realise it is happening to someone they care about until the pattern is clearer.

09.12.2025 12:14 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Abuse doesnโ€™t look the same for everyone, it can take many forms & leave different marks, both seen & unseen

When we understand this, we stop searching for one โ€œtypicalโ€ sign and start recognising the many ways abuse can show up

Together, letโ€™s end the stereotypes
#Stand4Change

02.12.2025 09:27 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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We had an amazing day being hosted by @Argyle and @MANCulturePlym as they celebrated the launch of their new campaign #StandUpStandTogetherTogether,
we can create change

Learn more about the campaign www.pafc.co.uk/news/argyle-...

#Stand4Change #16DaysOfAction

01.12.2025 15:16 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Be the support someone needs today.

You donโ€™t need all the answers to help. What matters most is showing up with empathy and care.

Find resources on supporting someone affected by abuse: www.firstlight.org.uk/support/worr...

#Stand4Change #16daysofaction

01.12.2025 10:13 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Today is the opening of the St Laurence Annual Christmas Tree Festival in Stroud.

Last year, more than 7,500 visitors attended, making this a fantastic opportunity to highlight our #Gloucestershire #ISVA Service

stlaurencestroud.uk/event_custom...

#Stand4Change #16DaysofAction

28.11.2025 14:49 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Our Safer Futures team was proud to attend the โ€œReducing Isolation and Loneliness in Cornwallโ€ event.

The day celebrated the incredible work already happening in our communities thanks to funding from NHS Charities Together and Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity.

#Stand4Change

28.11.2025 13:39 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Every action counts, and together we can create safer spaces and stronger support for survivors.

#Stand4Change #16DaysofAction

28.11.2025 08:45 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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As part of 16 Days of Action, we were invited to take part in a lunchtime marketplace event for all Cornwall Councillors during their full council meeting day

We shared resources, offered information, and answered questions to help raise awareness

#Stand4change #16DaysOfAction

27.11.2025 12:38 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Together, we can #Stand4Change and make sure every voice is heard, believed, and supported.

Explore resources via www.firstlight.org.uk

#DomesticAbuseAwareness #SexualViolenceSupport #HappyHealthyLove #Action4Change #SupportMatters

27.11.2025 08:57 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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We were delighted to join @SwindonCouncil yesterday for White Ribbon Day.

Our team delivered a presentation about the support we provide through our SARC and ISVA services.

Together, we can ensure that every voice is heard, believed and supported.

#WhiteRibbonDay #Stand4Change

26.11.2025 11:53 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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When we think of abuse, we often picture bruises or shouting.

๐๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก ๐ข๐ฌ, ๐š๐›๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ž ๐๐จ๐ž๐ฌ๐งโ€™๐ญ ๐ก๐š๐ฏ๐ž ๐จ๐ง๐ž ๐ข๐ฆ๐š๐ ๐ž.

If something feels wrong, it might be abuse. You are not alone, and help is available.
๐Ÿ‘‰ www.firstlight.org.uk/support/

#Stand4Change

26.11.2025 10:16 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Today weโ€™re at the University of Gloucestershire with the SARC team to mark the start of 16 Days of Action and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

#gloucestershire #Stand4change #happyhealthylove #16DaysOfAction

25.11.2025 15:36 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Together, we can break the cycle of abuse.

Weโ€™re asking individuals, workplaces, schools, and communities to stand together against domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Learn more and get involved: www.firstlight.org.uk/go/stand4cha...

#Stand4Change #16DaysOfAction

25.11.2025 10:24 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Stand With Us This 16 Days of Action

This year, weโ€™re asking you to Stand4Change with us.

Because every voice deserves to be heard, believed, and supported.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Join us from the 25th of November. Take action. Help ensure no one is left unheard.

#16DaysOfAction #Stand4Change

21.11.2025 13:39 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Last Tuesday our Gloucestershire ISVA Service attended the annual Sexual Health and Guidance Event at Hartpury College. On Thursday we joined the Cheltenham Leaving Care Team to celebrate National Care Leavers Month.

#gloucestershire #ISVA

19.11.2025 14:46 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Safe Spaces was invited to take part in Safeguarding Sunday at Hornsey Parish Church.

This yearโ€™s theme is โ€œAction Speaks Louderโ€, encouraging churches to move beyond good intentions and conversations and take concrete steps to strengthen safeguarding within their communities.

17.11.2025 14:17 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Our Plymouth Sexual Violence and Abuse Counselling Service was proud to be invited aboard HMS Drake.

We joined Naval personnel to share how our support services can help those outside the Armed Forces community.

Thank you to HMS Drake for opening the conversation.

12.11.2025 14:37 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Knowing someone is there can make all the difference.

If someone you care about is experiencing domestic abuse or has been impacted by sexual violence, your support can mean more than you know.

Your support matters. Just being there can be a lifeline.

11.11.2025 13:58 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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We proudly celebrate the incredible individuals who volunteer their time, skills, and expertise as trustees of First Light.

Thank you for standing with us, for believing in our mission, and for helping us ensure every voice is heard, believed, and supported.

#trusteesweek

05.11.2025 09:05 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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From 25 November to 10 December, weโ€™ll be leading our annual campaign as part of the 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence.

Together, we can move from awareness to action, and from action to lasting change.

#Stand4Change #16DaysOfAction #SupportSurvivors

03.11.2025 15:25 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Want to work in a supportive team and help to change the lives of people affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence?

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

๐Ÿ‘‰ Check out our vacancies www.firstlight.org.uk/job-vacancies/

28.10.2025 13:08 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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A huge thank you to everyone who donated during our Big Give campaign and to those who helped share our content.

Your support has enabled us to create a vital crisis fund to support women and girls affected by sexual abuse and violence.

Thank you for standing with us.

17.10.2025 07:35 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Please help us Break the Barriers.

Together, we can support those affected by sexual violence and abuse.

The Big Give ends today at 12pm.

Double your Impact now: donate.biggive.org/donate/a05WS...

#BreakTheBarriers #SupportSurvivors #sexualassualt #WGMF #swindon #wiltshire

15.10.2025 06:46 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Survivors face emotional, physical, and financial barriers to recovery.

Your donation helps provide

Clothing & toiletries
Transport to safety
Phones & SIM cards
Safety devices

Double your Impact Today donate.biggive.org/donate/a05WS...

#swindon #wiltshire

14.10.2025 07:33 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

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