Over 400 pupils from Moredon Primary School have run a mile to promote awareness of domestic abuse.
One of Society Without Abuse (SWA)’s first HOPE schools, Moredon Primary School achieved the charity’s pioneering education programme, the HOPE Award, earlier this year. As a HOPE School, Moredon Primary has completed specialist age-appropriate lessons in what makes a good friendship, skills that will give pupils a strong foundation in healthy relationships when they’re older. School staff have also received specialist training in domestic abuse awareness, and the school acts as a hub of support for its families who are experiencing abuse at home or who may be at risk of it.
The Run For HOPE was created as a way for schools to celebrate their achievement in gaining the award and reaffirming to the pupils and their families that challenging domestic abuse remains an important issue for the school. Children from Moredon Primary School, aged 3 to 11, ran together in their classes, either tackling the whole mile or completing it as a relay.
Claire Leach, Headteacher at Moredon Primary, said the school was delighted to take part in the Run For HOPE: “As a staff, we found the training invaluable in helping us support our children and families. The programme aligns closely with our school values, and the Run For Hope gave us a meaningful opportunity to consider how we can give back to worthy causes within our community.”
Emma Maclennan, Children and Families Manager for SWA, explained; “The pupils at Moredon did so well in their Run For HOPE and it was lovely to see them running in their HOPE colours too of green and orange. They also raised money for SWA by taking part and so they’re actively helping other children in Swindon to recover from the trauma of domestic abuse.
“Run For HOPE is a really positive and fun way for schoolchildren to remember what they’ve learnt about being a good friend. Equipping children with an understanding of what makes a good friend from a young age, in an age-appropriate way, helps them build strong foundations in making good choices when it comes to relationships when they’re older.
“It’s also so important that those who are experiencing domestic abuse know that there is somewhere familiar for them to come and ask for advice or help. Schools are right at the heart of our communities, and so by being able to equip them with the knowledge to help their families will make a huge difference in ending domestic abuse, whether that’s for one family or for everyone.”
Schools can find out more and register for the HOPE Programme for 2026 by contacting Emma Maclennan on emaclennan@societywithoutabuse.org.uk.
If you need advice for yourself or a friend relating to domestic abuse, call Swindon’s domestic abuse helpline on 01793 610610.
To find out more about SWA visit www.societywithoutabuse.org.uk.
