Making a splash: Cross Keys Community Fund supporting children in refuges
Supporting children and families living within Changing Pathways women’s refuges across Essex
The Cross Keys Community Fund (CKCF) has supported children and families living within Changing Pathways women’s refuges across Essex this summer by donating paddling pools to refuge sites operated by the charity.
Changing Pathways, which provides support services across seven locations throughout the county, has been supporting women and their children affected by domestic abuse in Essex for more than forty years.
The charity provides free and confidential services for people currently experiencing, or who have previously experienced, domestic abuse and other forms of interpersonal violence including stalking, harassment, honour-based abuse, and forced marriage.
Whilst the organisation focuses on helping survivors rebuild their lives and move forward safely, CKCF wanted to support children and families in a meaningful way during the summer months.
The donated paddling pools are already helping children enjoy the warmer weather, spend time outdoors, and simply enjoy being children during the summer holidays.
This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of the CKCF to support local charities and organisations making a real difference across Essex, particularly those working directly with vulnerable families and children.
CKCF Chairman, David Barton said:
“Changing Pathways carries out incredible work supporting women, children, and families across Essex during some of the most difficult periods of their lives. We wanted to do something that would bring a little happiness to the children over the summer holidays.
We hope the paddling pools give children the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine, have fun, and create positive memories during the summer months.”
In addition, Get Started Art, a charity founded by David Barton, also donated large boxes filled with hundreds of arts and crafts sets, colouring books, and activity sheets to the refuge sites, helping provide children with opportunities to be creative, build confidence, and enjoy positive activities throughout the summer holidays.
Commenting on the donations, Zoe McKee, Operations Manager from Changing Pathways said:
“A big thank you to Cross Keys Community Fund and Get Started Art for the donation of pools, arts and crafts, and activities for the children in refuge. With the warm weather, the children have enjoyed splashing around in the water and having lots of outdoor fun. During the half-term they have been very creative with all the goodies they received. Thank you for putting smiles on many faces.”
The Cross Keys Community Fund was formed to unite the Lodges and Chapters based at the Cross Keys Centre through a shared initiative focused on supporting local charities, vulnerable people, and community projects across Essex. Since its formation, the fund has supported a wide range of causes through fundraising, volunteering, and direct community engagement, earning recognition through several civic and community awards for its positive impact across the county.
To find out more about Changing Pathways click this link to their website: https://changingpathways.org/who-we-are/
Photos:
Top: Delivery to one of seven Changing Pathways sites L-R Chris Bushell - member CKCF, Zoe Mckee, Doug Sackey, Vicky Jordan, David Barton
Right: Crafting Fun
