Shauna’s Story

Shauna has survived violence, rejection, and homelessness after being forced into an arranged marriage. For the last 2½ years, she’s been moved between four temporary accommodations — council placements, hotels, and short-term flats. Each move brought uncertainty, and in some cases, more abuse and instability.

Now, for the first time, Shauna has been offered a self-contained flat of her own. Although still temporary housing, it’s a huge step forward — the first safe space where she can close her own door and begin to rebuild her life.

But there’s a catch: she has just a few days to move in, and the flat is completely empty. No bed, no cooker, no washing machine — nothing to make it liveable.

How Your Donation Will Help...

Your support will give Shauna the essentials she needs to settle safely:

A bed & bedding – somewhere safe and warm to sleep.

Cooking essentials – a cooker, microwave, kettle, and pans.

Washing machine – clean clothes with dignity.

Furniture – sofa, table, and chairs to turn bare walls into a home.

Food & basics – groceries and essentials while benefits are set up.

Comfort & safety – curtains, rugs, and lighting for warmth and stability.

Even the smallest donation makes a difference:

£5 could subsidise her travel.

£10 could buy a kettle.

£20 could cover bedding or towels.

£50 could go towards a cooker.

Why This Matters

Shauna is a 40 year old disabled trans woman who has been left without proper support for over two years. She left her family due to forced marriage, honour based abuse and she was at the highest risk of financial and emotional abuse, if she stayed. She found the power to flee, and since she has struggled immensely.

This fundraiser is more than furniture or a television — it’s about safeguarding a vulnerable member of our community with dignity and solidarity, and providing her with hope.

Together, we can make sure Shauna doesn’t just survive this move, but finally begins to thrive.

In kindness and hope,

Jay Crawford

Chair of Trustees at Sparkle - The National Transgender Charity