A Day of Joy and Healing: Shanti Aid's Beach Trip for Domestic Abuse Survivors and Their Families

On the 13th of August, thanks to the generous funding from St Faith and St Laurence’s Church Harborne, Shanti Aid had the immense pleasure of taking 48 women and their families, all of whom have been supported by our services as survivors of domestic abuse, on a magical day trip to Weston-Super-Mare. This special day was not just a day at the beach; it was a celebration of resilience, a moment of joy, and a reminder that even after the darkest of times, there is light and happiness to be found.

A Day of Firsts and Joyful Discoveries

For many of the children who joined us, this trip was a day of firsts—many had never seen the sea before, let alone experienced the simple, yet profound, pleasure of playing in the sand. The excitement was palpable as we boarded the coach that morning in Birmingham. Sunglasses were on, buckets and spades were packed, and the anticipation of a day filled with fun and new experiences was shared by both the children and their mothers.

As we approached the seafront, the coach was filled with gasps of wonder and squeals of pure delight. Turning to see the children’s faces as they caught their first glimpse of the sea was a moment we will all cherish. Eyes widened in amazement, and as soon as the coach stopped, the children dashed towards the sand, eagerly kicking off their shoes to feel the warmth of the beach beneath their feet.

A Day of Healing and Connection

What made this day truly special was witnessing the sheer joy that radiated from the children and their mothers. For a few precious hours, the worries and hardships of the past were set aside, replaced by laughter, relaxation, and the simple happiness of being together. Many of these families live in temporary accommodations, often without even a garden to call their own. To see them running freely, playing in the waves, and enjoying a carefree day at the beach was incredibly moving.

The mothers, many of whom we have supported through some of the most difficult and dangerous times of their lives, were smiling and laughing alongside their children. It was a day of healing, not just for the children, but for the mothers too—a reminder that they and their families deserve joy, love, and moments of pure happiness.

A Memorable Day Thanks to Generous Support

As the day came to an end, the coach ride home was filled with sleepy, happy faces. The children and their mothers expressed their heartfelt gratitude for a day that will be treasured for years to come. It was more than just a day out; it was a gift of normalcy, joy, and hope—a powerful reminder that they matter, that they are cared for, and that there are brighter days ahead.

We are deeply grateful to the community at St Faith & St Laurence Church for their generous donation that made this day possible, and to Premier Travel Coaches for providing such a professional and patient service. The impact of this day will be felt for a long time, as these families continue their journeys of healing and rebuilding their lives.

Get Involved: Help Us Create More Days Like This

If you would like to contribute to future activities like this and give the gift of joy and healing to survivors of domestic abuse and their families, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to Tripta Kaur-Singh at admin@shanti-aid.org. Together, we can create more unforgettable days that remind these families of their strength, their value, and their right to happiness.