CHURCH-goers from across Hampshire have been invited to donate their time and money as part of the Bishop of Winchester’s Christmas Appeal in aid of Yellow Door.

The Right Reverend Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester, is asking people to contribute to his Christmas Appeal for the Southampton based charity, Yellow Door, in its support of individuals and families suffering domestic and sexual abuse across the wider region.

Yellow Door offers a range of domestic and sexual abuse preventative and support services for adults, children, young people and families across Southampton and more widely. This includes providing individual and family therapeutic support, delivering a Healthy Relationships education programme in local schools and universities and running an advice helpline for members of the public and professionals.

Bishop Tim has asked parishioners in the Diocese of Winchester to support this important work in two ways: by volunteering with the charity and by donating money.

Launching the appeal he said: “At this time of year, families and loved ones will be coming together to celebrate Christmas. However, not everyone is able to do so. Many of us will know someone who is a victim of domestic or sexual abuse. Yellow Door provide an invaluable service helping to prevent such abuse by educating children and adults in our local communities about healthy relationships, and supporting those people, both men and women, who have experienced abuse. I hope everyone in our Diocese will give generously to my appeal.”

Tara Doel, Yellow Door Business Manager said: “We are delighted that Bishop Tim has nominated Yellow Door as his chosen charity for his Christmas appeal. Our work is reliant on people giving their time and money to help us to provide our services. By giving time or money to this appeal, parishioners in the Diocese of Winchester will enable us to reach more people in our local community. Thank you.”

To donate to the appeal, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/WinchesterDiocese.