In this climate of funding cuts, closures, rising costs and concerns about the future Safe Space Dunfermline, who offer support services to survivors of sexual abuse, have embarked on their own fundraising initiative – the Write-athon.
Launched in September 2012 they have already raised an impressive £10,092.75 and have a Grand Finale Race Night on Saturday 11th May 2013, 7-12 pm, at Dalgety Bay Sailing Club. Tickets are available from Safe Space, £10 each.
The idea behind the Write-athon is that everyone has a good book in them but may not have had an opportunity or confidence to sit and write it. Rather than run a marathon this has been a chance to write a marathon, anything from 5,000 words to 52,600 words.
The initiative came from Safe Space Director, Danielle Macleod:
It’s amazing that everyone has really become involved in the Write–athon and feels confident to ask for sponsorship knowing that they will complete their book. It doesn’t involve great physical activity but is the equivalent of a mental marathon.
A panel of well-known authors, including Safe Space patron Iain Banks, has backed the project by offering ongoing support through free workshops, letters of encouragement and inspirational ideas to help everyone reach their target.
A Safe Space service user feels strongly about being involved with fundraising in this way:
This is a fantastic idea to involve us all in fundraising for a service so needed and close to our hearts. Due to sexual abuse as a child I have always been self- conscious about my lack of education and ability to write. Safe Space has given me hope as well as confidence and I know I will achieve so much from taking part in this. Even if I can’t raise lots of money it’s been fantastic to be part of something bigger without worrying about the outcome. For me this is a winner all round.
Safe Space service users, staff, volunteers and supporters have been frantically writing in order to achieve their target word count before 11th May and the Write-athon has served to stir the imagination and boost confidence as well as raise funds.
To read more about the Write-athon visit www.safespacewrite-athon.co.uk and to read more about Safe Space visit www.safe-space.co.uk