At the end of a hectic, exhausting Christmas day, the
prospect of a good night’s sleep is something we all look forward to. There is no better feeling than gently
retiring to fresh clean sheets, with mind and body content, tired limbs slowly
relaxing; muscles, tendons and a busy mind gradually dispersing the tensions of
the day. Silence descends…thoughts drift
through a sleepy landscape, then abruptly, without warning, in your mind’s eye,
you fall off a kerb, or out of a boat, arms and legs startled into an
involuntary reaction to the sensation of falling…your body is jerked into ‘wide
awake’. Ever happened to you? This involuntary phenomena has various names
and explanations…Some scientists even believe it is caused by the brain
checking that the body is still alive!
One of the most memorable things this year, causing the body
of A Way Out to jerk awake, has been the terrific and totally voluntary public
response to our Christmas Appeal. The
generosity and kindness of the people of Teesside and beyond has been overwhelming
with donations from schools, churches, businesses and individuals all
contributing in ways that have made a huge impact, sending a message of love to
many who would have otherwise felt forgotten.
It has been such a humbling experience to receive gifts and
donations from people who have made a real sacrifice on behalf of our clients
and service users and this has really woken us up to the fact that there are so
many people who really do care and who really want to make a real and
substantial difference to the lives of others.
The staff and clients of A Way Out are so grateful to
everyone who has contributed to our work during the last year. Looking forward to 2015 your help ensures
that we will be there for vulnerable women, families and young people when
their lives ‘fall off a kerb’ or ‘out of a boat’ – we will be there as a life
line – ensuring they have a future and feel alive.
By volunteering or supporting us financially you can be part
of our wake up call to action for 2015.
