RISE is a specialist service, provided for and delivered by the community we serve and support. We walk together with survivors, building on their strengths and creating community. We know that domestic abuse happens behind doors on every street, and that people in every workplace are affected. Last year In Brighton and Hove over five thousand domestic abuse crimes and incidents were recorded. That’s roughly one domestic abuse crime or incident for every 54 people. And that’s just those that we know about.

While we are working towards a world free from abuse and violence, right now, the need for our services is constant and even before the funding cuts we experienced this summer, we had long waiting lists and many local people asking us for support. We want to help. We want to make sure you don’t feel alone.

What I’m saying here is that the need for your support is constant - and we know other charities share your attention with us, as well as your own lives, expenses, and commitments.

So. If you’d like to support us, but right now you can’t donate, perhaps you could consider one of these two things.

Could you consider leaving us a gift or legacy in your will? You don’t have to be a millionaire to make a difference. A £150 donation might feel huge today, but what does it feel like to think about that coming from your estate? November is Community Wills Sussex Month, a time when you can get your will written for FREE by leaving a gift to us or one of the other charity partners. Amazingly, all the spots for this month have been booked already! The next Community Wills Sussex month is in April - if you’d like to explore possibilities, contact the team here today.

Another option would be to explore a Corporate Partnership or Corporate Support for us. Our brilliant friends at Britton and Time Solicitors are the brains behind Community Wills Month, and we just love the whole idea of it. It’s not a cash donation but a creative way to offer their skills and experience, and ultimately benefit us. Is there something the business or organisation you are part of could do to support us? Partnerships can operate at multiple levels, from a bucket collection or a bake sale once in a while to payroll giving, staff volunteering, charity of the year, sharing our messaging on social media and more.

If you’re looking for ways to support us but you can’t splash the cash right now, I’d urge you to think outside the box. Talk to the RISE Fundraising team - if you’re willing to help, we’ll work with you to find a way that suits you, and us, so we can stand against abuse, together.