May the FOURTH BE WITH YOU !

Local girl Jenna and her stepdad will be taking part in the Fresh Start new beginnings sky dive event on Saturday 4^th May at Beccles Airfield raising funds for Fresh start new beginnings.

Jenna said “I first learnt about the fantastic work of Fresh Start New Beginnings when I joined the team as their Intern Research Assistant in 2014. The impact they have on young lives and the difference they make is incredible. Seeing first-hand the difference made from a child’s first visit to their last was a wonderful thing to be a part of.

I will board an aircraft and soar to around 13,000 feet (approximately two miles high!). When I leave the plane, I will fall at about 120 mph, descending to 5,000 feet in around 40 seconds.

Why? Beside from wanting to raise as much money as possible so that this great charity is able to continue supporting children across Norfolk & Suffolk, it is also something that is very close to me.

I am a survivor. I was 13 years old when a man of 22 groomed me. I have found there is often a lack of understanding around the term ‘grooming’. It is a form of control. It is about coercion, manipulation and emotional trauma. It is something that never goes away, especially without specialist support.

At the time services were fragmented and judgemental. The whole process dis-empowered me as a young person. I became a secondary-victim of the system. For a number of years, I would tap into my resilience and attempt to self-heal. I describe it as being at the start of a race and a huge hand holding onto me…my legs running as fast they can, but I don’t move.

Although, a lot of improvement is still needed having such a brilliant service in Suffolk/Norfolk means that young people are not alone and are given a voice. I commend the work of Fresh Start New Beginnings and am looking forward to the challenge of skydiving on May 4th.”

The charity works with children and young people up to the age of 21 across Suffolk and Norfolk, delivering a therapeutic service to those who have disclosed sexual abuse. It works to take away the feeling of blame, shame and feelings of guilt and also offers support for families.

Patsy Johnson-Cisse, Fundraising Manager, Fresh Start new beginnings added “We are thrilled that Jenna, her stepdad together with Tanya and Chris also doing the skydive on the 4^th May the very best and know that all the money they raise from the sponsored skydive will help children on the waiting list to reclaim their future.  Each skydiver’s paying for their own skydive and all sponsor money will go direct to the charity.

The charity works with children and young people up to the age of 21 across Suffolk and Norfolk, delivering a therapeutic service to those who have disclosed sexual abuse. It works to take away the feeling of blame, shame and feelings of guilt and also offers support for families.

Should anyone wish to support Jenna and the skydivers please get in touch with the charity at [email protected] or call 01473 705111