Yesterday (Wednesday 13th May), Refuge and its celebrity ambassadors and supporters took to the streets of Lambeth, London to inspire the public to participate in an act of hope.
Refuge, the UK’s largest specialist domestic abuse charity, invited passers-by to spin a ‘wheel of hope’, which landed on a small act of kindness such as telling a friend why you’re thankful for them or volunteering in your community. Celebrities Sharon Gaffka, Ash Bibi, and Millie Shields (pictured above) joined Refuge, encouraging the public to get involved and spread positivity.
The event comes during A Million Acts of Hope – a nationwide campaign celebrating everyday acts of compassion and hope. As a proudly intersectional organisation committed to supporting survivors from all walks of life, Refuge is supporting the campaign alongside hundreds of other charities, communities, and faith groups.
Refuge ambassador Sharon Gaffka said:
“Refuge brings hope to thousands of women and their children every day, so it was truly heartwarming to see that spirit touch so many people. Through my work as a violence against women and girls activist, I’ve seen just how important acts of solidarity are in creating real change, particularly when the world feels increasingly divided. The event was a vital reminder of the good that can happen when we stand together.”
June*, a Refuge support worker at The Gaia Centre in Lambeth, said:
“Every day at The Gaia Centre, we bear witness to the power of hope for the survivors we support. Being truly heard, understood, and cared for can be life-changing – especially when going through the hardest moments. A Million Acts of Hope reflects what we know to be true: real change happens when communities stand alongside survivors and create spaces where people feel safe and supported. We’re proud to be part of this campaign and the collective effort to build hope and solidarity.”
Refuge CEO Gemma Sherrington said:
“At Refuge, we believe that positive change is achieved through unity. As an organisation working towards a world without domestic abuse, we are supporting the A Million Acts of Hope movement because progress happens when we stand together. Too often, conversations about violence against women and girls are derailed by harmful narratives that distract from survivors’ lived realities. Hope comes when we reject division and focus on what truly matters – creating a world where no one has to live in fear of abuse and violence.”
