First Light

25/09/2026

Abuse can change everything in an instant.

When someone is fleeing abuse or facing a crisis, access to essential items can make all the difference.

From 12pm on 6th October to 12pm on 13th October, we're aiming to raise £14,000 for a crisis fund supporting women and girls.

Thanks to the Big Give, every donation will be doubled, helping twice as many people access essential items and feel safe, supported, and able to take the next step forward.

Together, we can be there when it matters most.

You can help by donating, fundraising, or simply helping us spread the word. From 12pm on 6th October, every donation will have twice the impact.

23/09/2026

An Important Reminder About Self-Swab R**e Kits

If you have experienced r**e or sexual assault, you deserve compassionate support, clear information, and the chance to make informed choices about what feels right for you.

While self-swab kits may seem like a helpful option, there are some important things to know:

❌ A swab cannot prove that r**e or sexual assault occurred.
❌ A self-swab only captures a small part of the evidence that may be available.
❌ Important forensic evidence could be missed.
❌ Evidence collected at home may be challenged or not accepted in court.
❌ A self-swab kit cannot provide the medical care, injury assessment, safeguarding, and specialist support that may be available through a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provide much more than forensic evidence collection. They offer specialist healthcare, emotional support, safeguarding, and the opportunity to collect and store evidence, whether or not you choose to involve the police.

After a traumatic experience, no one should feel that they have to gather evidence on their own. Survivors deserve access to specialist care, support, and information that helps them understand all of their options.

Your local SARC is here when you need it and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can find your nearest SARC by visiting:
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-a-r**e-and-sexual-assault-referral-centre

As students prepare for a new academic year, please help us share this message with friends, family, colleagues, and students. Having the right information at the right time can make all the difference.

22/09/2026

Last Thursday, our ISVA team had a brilliant time at Hartpury College and University’s Well Fest!

Alongside a fantastic range of charities and organisations, we spoke with students about health and wellbeing. It was a great opportunity to explain our services, raise awareness and answer students’ questions.

We also have a range of resources to support students. Find out more: https://www.firstlight.org.uk/happyhealthylove/

17/09/2026

Abuse can change everything in an instant.

When someone is fleeing abuse or facing a crisis, access to essential items can make all the difference.

From 12pm on 6th October to 12pm on 13th October, we're aiming to raise £14,000 for a crisis fund supporting women and girls.

Thanks to the Big Give, every donation will be doubled, helping twice as many people access essential items and feel safe, supported, and able to take the next step forward.

Together, we can be there when it matters most.

💜 You can help by donating, fundraising, or simply helping us spread the word. From 12pm on 6th October, every donation will have twice the impact.

15/09/2026

Stay Informed, Get Involved!

Join our supportive community by signing up for our newsletter and learn about the important work we are doing to ensure every voice is heard, supported, and believed.

Our newsletter is your go-to source for:
• Campaigns: Stay updated on our latest initiatives.
• Training: Access valuable resources and training sessions to empower yourself and others.
• Webinars: Participate in insightful webinars led by experts in the field.
• Fundraising: Learn about our fundraising initiatives and how you can get involved.
• And More: Be the first to know about all our activities and events!

👉 Sign up now and together, we can create change.

Click the link to sign up or visit our Bio.
https://www.firstlight.org.uk/newsletter/

11/09/2026

Could you spare 5 minutes to complete our Accessibility, Inclusivity and Access to Support Survey?

First Light is reviewing how accessible and inclusive sexual violence support services are for people with disabilities, neurodivergence, learning disabilities, long-term health conditions and mental health needs.

Your feedback will help us understand what barriers people face when accessing support and what we can do to improve. We're particularly keen to hear from people with lived experience.

All responses are anonymous unless you choose to provide your contact details.

Take the survey here:
https://app.sli.do/event/24AAATsszY7uLXqG5eVeeu

Thank you for helping us make our services more accessible, inclusive and responsive to people's needs.

08/09/2026

Some of our Swindon and Wiltshire ISVA Service team attended the Services Cotswold Centre today for their Allied Services event.

It was a great morning networking with other organisations, and discussing the important work of the ISVA and SARC services in and , as well as learning more about what support is available to military personnel and their families.

We were grateful for the invite and look forward to attending the next one!

Some of our Swindon and Wiltshire ISVA Service team attended the Services Cotswold Centre on Tuesday 8th September for their Allied Services event. It was a great morning networking with other organisations, and discussing the important work of the ISVA and SARC services in Swindon and Wiltshire, as well as learning more about what support is available to military personnel and their families.

We were grateful for the invite and look forward to attending the next one!

08/09/2026

𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥.
Every year, thousands of family members, friends, colleagues, and children are impacted by sexual violence and domestic abuse.

That’s why we offer a range of supportive services across various regions, including Devon, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Swindon, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and across England & Wales.

𝐖𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞, 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐝, 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝.

For more information about our services, please visit https://www.firstlight.org.uk/

𝐖𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲.

04/09/2026

Last night, BBC Spotlight shared the story of "Penny" (not her real name), a woman from Cornwall who waited three years for her domestic abuse case to reach court. During that time, she lost her business, her home and, in her own words, her world.

First Light's COO, Thomas Godwin, appeared on BBC Spotlight alongside sector colleagues, including Josceline Leicester of Devon R**e Crisis, to discuss why so few reports result in a conviction.

As Tom highlighted, support is often what makes justice possible. Survivors need access to long-term support, whether or not they report to the police, and we must continue investing in prevention, early intervention and behaviour change.

While Devon & Cornwall Police have made significant progress, with outcome rates nearly doubling in the last 18 months, around 9 in 10 cases still do not result in a charge.

Addressing abuse requires a whole-community response involving schools, healthcare services, employers, sports clubs and community organisations, alongside the criminal justice system.

We thank Penny for sharing her story and everyone at BBC Spotlight for helping highlight the realities faced by survivors.

If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic abuse, support is available.

You do not have to report to access help, and you will be believed.

02/09/2026

Looking for a career where you can make a meaningful difference?

At First Light, every role contributes to supporting people affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, and church-related abuse.

Together, we help people find their voice, access support, and move forward on their journey of recovery and empowerment.

If you're passionate about empowering people, creating positive change, and working alongside a dedicated team committed to making a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Explore our current opportunities and apply today: https://www.firstlight.org.uk/job-vacancies/