More than 80 people, including the Mayor of Camden, have taken part in an abseil challenge in central London to raise vital funds for Hopscotch Women’s Centre to mark its 25th anniversary – raising more than £43,000 so far to help women who face domestic abuse.
The abseil took place from the top of an 18-floor building on Euston Road, in Regent’s Place, on Thursday 4th May.
Those taking on the challenge included Councilor Nasim Ali, the Mayor of Camden and long-term supporter of Hopscotch, Hopscotch’s CEO, Benaifer Bhandari, as well as David Walker, the COO of British Land, owner of Regent’s Place.
The charity, which is based on Hampstead Road, offers support services for women impacted by racial and gender inequality, domestic abuse and isolation.
This also includes supporting women and their families to rebuild their future and confidence as survivors of domestic abuse, provide assistance to access funds after financial abuse, as well as run a range of employment workshops to help improve interview and communication skills.
The money raised will help to provide one-to-one specialist mental health representatives, monthly health group sessions, as well as wellbeing and emotional guidance.
Benaifer Bhandari, CEO at Hopscotch, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the work we do at Hopscotch Women’s Centre – supporting women who are often not seen in society, facing daily injustices because of systemic racial and gender inequities.
“We take extreme pride in being there for women and girls facing abuse, poverty, unemployment and mental health issues and in having individuals, organisations, trusts, corporations and councils who love and support our work. We rely on donations, like those raised at this event, to be able to keep turning up, day after day, to help women and girls feel like they are not alone. So, thank you – every penny raised goes towards raising the human rights of those who otherwise are invisible.”
Councillor Nasim Ali, Mayor of Camden, said: “I want to thank British Land, our partners, and all the brave abseilers who raised money for Hopscotch. It’s fantastic to see so many people taking part and some even conquering their fear of heights for a good cause.
“I hope that the event and the great atmosphere around it will encourage others to get involved and support the valuable work that Hopscotch do in our local communities.”
David Walker, Chief Operating Officer at British Land, said: “The abseil challenge raises money for a great cause, providing vital donations to help people in the local Camden area and beyond – as the charity celebrates 25 years of success in 2023.
“We are pleased to host the charity abseil at Regent’s Place, along with our customers and other partners. The funds raised will go a long way to help the Hopscotch team continue to provide their invaluable service.
“At British Land, creating thriving places is at the heart of what we do – including collaborating with charities to provide them with space and awareness to continue to support those in the local area which need them most.”
