THE FOUNDER of a borough charity that supports survivors of abuse, will receive the British Empire Medal (BEM).
Vickie Robertson, CEO of Kaleidoscopic UK has been recognised in the King’s birthday honours list for her work with abuse victims and refugees.
Ms Robertson was herself a victim of childhood and adult domestic abuse.
She experienced first-hand the gaps in current support and services, and the lack of training and understanding of domestic abuse.
Determined to promote change, she set up Kaleidoscopic UK in 2019 to help others in similar situations to find the support they need.
Her organisation provides free survivor-led support groups, information, training and violence prevention programmes.
She said: “I received a lovely letter in the post, on his majesty’s service.
“The Lord Lieutenant will present my medal in a local ceremony, followed by the royal garden party.
“I’m delighted that the award will elevate the charity’s name, especially as we are now extending our services to other parts of the country.”
Kaleidoscopic UK already provides online support throughout England and Wales, but wants to provide more in-person groups.
“In a study carried out by the Domestic Abuse Services Commissioner, it was found that peer support groups like the ones we offer are the most effective, but they’re also the least funded,” she said.
Ms Robertson also hopes that her award will open up conversations about abuse.
“It’s so important to remove the taboos around the subject,” she said.
“We have to start supporting more people, and work to dispel some of the myths.”
Ms Robertson manages a Facebook page, Gossip Girls In Action – Wokingham For Refugees.
The group raises awareness of refugees in crisis, and mobilises teams of volunteers to transform local refugee housing into places people can call home.
“It’s an honour to support victim-survivors of abuse and refugees along any part of their journey,” Ms Robertson said.
“To see them go from surviving to thriving is the biggest reward ever.
“The medal is definitely an added bonus.”
Ms Robertson is grateful to whoever put her name forward for consideration for the award.
“Thank you to whoever it was,” she said.
“And to the incredible team of people whose work makes this possible.
“As someone who comes from a background of domestic violence, I never thought I would receive an award like this.
“I hope that I can show children or adult victim-survivors that anything is possible and there’s life after abuse.
“It may change us but it doesn’t have to define us.”
For information about the charity, visit: www.kaleidoscopic.uk
