Adam Fouracre, founder of the charity said ‘we are overwhelmed by the support we have received during the course of our 10^th anniversary year. It has been truly touching to see the support from the community and local businesses.’

At the beginning of this year Stand Against Violence was lucky enough to be supported by the Somerset County Gazette who have been instrumental in helping the charity to find donors and raise the charity profile across the area. The support of the Gazette’s Dawn Stevenson lead to the development of the charities red theme which featured at the charity ball in March and on the business ladies event. Adam said ‘we are privileged to have worked with such a creative person who has brought a truly unique theme to our events which we hope to continue.’

On the 25^th September to mark Lloyd Fouracre’s anniversary and the anniversary of the charity a large event was held on Castle Green. The support of local businesses on this day was phenomenal. The evening event was at times overwhelming to see so many people from the local community turn out to remember the charity’s reason for existing. Adam said ‘the anniversary is always a difficult time for my family. Lots of people turned up from the event but when the peace walk was announced every adult and child present stopped their activities to join in the walk. It was very touching to see the tail of people snaking back through Goodland Gardens and realise quite how much support was out there.’ The support with the stars project from local community groups such as Go Create and the local schools has also left a lasting mark in Taunton’s history with the mural on Tangiers and the star maze which was up for over a week. SAV would like to thank every child for their contribution and to the community groups and schools who made this possible.

Taunton Rugby Football Club also became charity ambassadors this year and held a memorial charity match day on the anniversary weekend. Their support continued with at the Quiz night in November and the charity looks forward to them hosting the annual ball in March 2016.

Businesses across the Taunton Deane area have made a huge difference to SAV this year with fundraising events big and small, awareness raising and general in kind support. Tone Leisure adopted SAV as their chosen charity and have already helped to raise over £1,000 in just a few short months. There are some very exciting events planned for 2016 with Tone Leisure so keep an eye out. As always we are blessed with the support of Claims Consortium and Invirt Reality who have been long term supporters of the charity and for yet another year have shown unwavering support to SAV and it’s work. This year the charity has also developed a positive relationship with local company IDN which we hope to build upon in the coming year.

SAV would also like to thank Café Mambo and Zinc Bar & Club for their fundraising activities. Adam said ‘it is wonderful to have the support of the local night time economy. Alcohol is such a key feature in our work so to see these businesses supporting our activities to reduce violence is a real positive.’ Local florists Eden also chose SAV as a beneficiary for their Christmas flower arranging event.

We must of course not forget the people behind it all. The charity’s trustees, workers and volunteers without whom the charity would not be able to do what it does. Adam said ‘thanks to the team and all those who have supported SAV this year the charity can continue its work to reduce violence and work towards a more peaceful society for future generations. From all of us at SAV and especially from myself I would like to wish everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year."