TWO women from Barrow have teamed up to raise awareness of the support services available in Cumbria for homeless teenagers and those experiencing domestic violence.
Laura Godbold, 34, suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after being abused by an ex-boyfriend and earlier this year she set up Laurus Consultancy which offers confidence building courses to schoolchildren across the Furness area.
After a successful start to her enterprise, Mrs Godbold was keen to offer more support to teenagers and got in touch with her friend Jade Docherty, 30, to arrange a family fun day which will raise awareness of the help available to teenagers.
READ MORE: Would you let a homeless Barrow teen sleep in your spare room?
Mrs Godbold said: "A lot of kids have massive confidence issues and a lot of people aren't aware of the support services that are available so we felt we needed to do a fundraising day to make teenagers aware of who they can turn to for help.
"Nowadays there is so much pressure on children and a lot of them do struggle."
Miss Docherty works for Nightstop UK, a charity which provides safe shelter to young people who would otherwise be sleeping rough and putting themselves at risk.
She said: "Homelessness is increasing massively. There is a lot of domestic violence and self harm and I think it's important for young people to have help available.
"The majority of referrals in the past have come from Barrow but homelessness exists all over Cumbria. Our purpose is to get to them before they reach crisis point."
The pair have been good friends for two years and are keen to make the awareness day, which takes place at Ulverston Victoria High School on Sunday October 30 from 11am, as fun and interactive as possible.
Miss Docherty added: "We want everybody to have fun and for young people to walk away being a little bit clearer about what support is available. As long as we get a good few people there and the feedback is great then we will be happy."
Representatives from a host of local and national charities, including Self-harm Awareness For All, Love Barrow Families and Barnados, will be there to offer support on the day.
There will be a minimum donation of £1 on the door which gives you access to bouncy castles, bubble football and many other fun activities.
READ MORE: Barrow domestic abuse victim launches crusade to help others rebuild their lives
Miss Docherty hopes to draw in the crowds on the day by taking part in an I'm A Celebrity themed 'Bushtucker trial,' whereas Mrs Godbold will be doing a sponsored silence on Saturday October 29.
Money raised from the event will be split between Laurus Consultancy, Nightspot UK and the Arbonne Charitable Foundation, an organisation which promotes self-esteem in teenagers.
For more information about the day, call 07969 327104 or 07896 237785
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