Right now, there are over 75,000 women facing homelessness, many of whom are trapped in temporary accommodation. Of those, as many as 1 in 3 is escaping from domestic abuse.
These numbers are staggering, but behind each number is a real story—a woman who has been forced into an impossible situation, often without the support she desperately needs to rebuild her life. A woman without a place to call home.
While these women feel isolated, vulnerable and abandoned, they are not alone. They are all just one of thousands. Katie's story is one of thousands.
Shelter won’t let them stand alone. They will stand together with women like Katie to close one chapter of their story and begin a new one.
For Shelter's September Appeal, we shared Katie’s anonymised story, illustrating her struggle against the harsh realities of an unfair housing system while escaping an abusive partner. The direct mailing pack included a heartfelt letter from a Shelter caseworker who supported Katie, along with a leaflet outlining the vital provisions Shelter offers to vulnerable women in need.
This was one of the most challenging briefs I have worked on due to the highly sensitive nature of the topic. Even though these women have been through abuse, we wanted to use language that empowered them, not victimised them. These women have come out fighting and are symbols of strength, and that is what we wanted the letter to convey.
Our campaign proposition, 'Not Alone', takes a two-pronged approach. It highlights that the thousands of women facing the immense challenges of the housing system are not alone, while also shining a light on the crucial support they receive from Shelter. When these women reach out to us, they discover they are truly not alone.
