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Award-winning film brings Suffolk domestic abuse stories to national stage

Suffolk Building Society's film, created with Lighthouse Women's Aid, won the Silver award in the 'Corporate Cause' category at the Smiley Charity Film Awards on 21 March.

Why it matters: The film shines a light on the vital work of Lighthouse Women's Aid, a Suffolk-based charity dedicated to supporting domestic abuse survivors across the region.

The bigger picture: The film was produced as part of Suffolk Building Society's Safe Homes for Suffolk Campaign, which supports people facing homelessness, social isolation, and domestic abuse in Suffolk.

Supporting Lighthouse Women's Aid - Safe Homes for Suffolk Campaign

Stiff competition: The film competed against submissions from major organisations, including:

  • John Lewis Partnership

  • Purina pet foods

  • Canon

  • Payroll Giving Month

  • Cambridge University Press

What they're saying: "We are absolutely thrilled to have received the Silver award for this film," said Richard Norrington, CEO at Suffolk Building Society. "It was an honour to work alongside Lighthouse as part of our Safe Homes for Suffolk Campaign. Their tireless efforts in supporting domestic abuse survivors make a real difference to women and children in the region."

Sally Winston, Chief Executive of Lighthouse, said: "We're over the moon to have received this recognition. The film has been invaluable in our courses and educational sessions for clients, and it's also been a key tool for fundraising."

The details: The film was produced by SubMotion Productions, which specialises in telling emotive stories for charities and businesses across the region.

Rachel Prendergast, Producer at SubMotion Productions, said: "Telling difficult stories is what we love to do. We've had the privilege of working with many remarkable charities and corporates across Norfolk and Suffolk, and having the opportunity to give domestic abuse survivors a voice is a responsibility we took very seriously."

Luke Littleboy, Deb Johnson, Sally Winston and Rachel Prendergast at the awards
Luke Littleboy, Deb Johnson, Sally Winston and Rachel Prendergast(Suffolk Building Society)

What's next: Suffolk Building Society will be promoting the film on social media to help educate the public and inspire action.

The bottom line: The film, which includes real survivor testimonies, aims to raise awareness and drive meaningful conversations about domestic abuse, an issue that often goes unspoken.

For more information about Lighthouse and its ongoing work supporting domestic abuse survivors, visit www.lighthousewa.org.uk/

You can read it for free thanks to the generous support of RSZ Accountancy and Ipswich School

Despite a lack of promotion, the big reveal drew a good crowd of passersby

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