This month, our £2,000 charity donation went to Beloved, a wonderful cause chosen by Head of Power Platform, Jonathan Castle.
Beloved is a charity based in Bristol and the surrounding areas which offers support to women working in the indoor sex industry, predominantly massage parlours. The charity initially started as a small group of volunteers who recognised an unmet need in their local area and grew into a registered charity in 2016.
Beloved's team of trained staff and volunteers offer a friendly, non-judgemental and confidential service – providing practical advice and emotional support, as well as referrals to other agencies if further specialist support is required.
Alongside being a friendly face and listening ear, the charity distributes personal attack alarms and safety information to those in need. Their casework team also provide a wealth of advice and assistance, from help with finding accommodation, to wellbeing workshops and support with CV writing and job applications.
The teams at Beloved put no pressure on the women they speak to, getting to know those open to help in the settings they find most comfortable, whether that's grabbing a coffee, going for a walk or meeting monthly outside their place of work. The charity focuses on the dignity, health and wellbeing of all the women who come to them for support, helping them feel valued and empowered.
If you’d like to find out more information about the charity or how you can donate, please visit the Beloved website.