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Since that terrible loss, Hollie’s family has made it their mission to develop programmes and tools to help those experiencing domestic abuse and to promote healthy relationships, particularly around schools and colleges. They have done it all through the Hollie Gazzard Trust and have raised more than £2 million.
The Trust was founded in 2014 by Hollie’s parents, Nick and Mandy , and her sister, Chloe, and now has an international reputation for providing practical support to those facing domestic abuse alongside prevention programmes such as the Hollie Guard app. The app has had more than 500,000 downloads.
Nick Gazzard said of the anniversary: “Ten years has passed with a blink of an eye in one sense. On the other hand it seems an age since we lost Hollie. When I look back on what we have achieved as a Trust I am very proud. From the launch of the Hollie Guard App and delivering training programs and workshops to schools, colleges, universities, workplaces and other organisations across the country, we have done a considerable amount.
“We have been involved in changing laws, meetings with ministers and completing over seven documentaries. We have had a positive influence on many individuals and in many areas. We have delivered training to police forces, local governments and private organisations. The positive feedback that we have received and also the vast number of messages about lives we have saved is very heartwarming.”
The Trust will use its 10th year to commemorate, not celebrate – to grow and help more people.
As Nick explains: “A charity such as ours should not be necessary but the sad fact is that it is. We aim to raise even more awareness of the issues that affected Hollie, have a positive impact on more and more individuals, and provide more education. We will be able to do this from funds raised during our 10th year and help us to create a bigger platform nationally to build from in the coming years.”
The commemorative events have been designed to be inclusive of all sectors of society. The first event will be a Service of Remembrance at Gloucester Cathedral on 20 February 2024, presided over by the Bishop of Gloucester. Other notable events will include:
The Trust has had a major impact over the past 10 years but has much more to do.
“The problem is not going away, so we will continue to do more of what we are good at and try to have a positive impact on more individuals across the country,” said Nick.
“We want to increase the number of businesses in our Ambassador Scheme from areas outside Gloucestershire. We have not set ourselves specific targets as the area is rapidly moving and we must remain agile enough to respond to these shifting areas.”
One of the current ambassadors is Jodie Fraser, managing director of Fraser Allen Estate Management. Jodie and her team have managed blocks of flats in Gloucestershire for several years. Often her team members – and Jodie – find themselves alone and she herself has experienced incidents where she’s been threatened with violence.
“I first got involved with the Trust after I found out that one of my clients was involved,” Jodie explains. “I had followed their work for many years as Hollie’s awful murder isn’t something that you forget, especially so close to home.”
After making contact with Nick, Jodie was determined to help the trust provide education around domestic violence and to promote the Hollie Guard App to any business owner who works alone – or their staff.
The app is available on smartphones – there is a free level and a paid for level. Both provide a degree of peace of mind when out alone. With the paid level there is enhanced protection for lone workers, those travelling alone or commuting. It provides a police-approved 24/7 monitoring and immediate emergency response service with direct access to a dedicated team who can assess a situation and be trained in the appropriate escalation process.
“I invested in the app for the safety of my team,” Jodie explains. “Why? Because in our business sector, as with many, lone workers are often out late at night, and they can feel threatened when faced with aggressive or threatening clients or even random people as they try to carry out their professional tasks.
“We often work face to face with clients, at late hours, and on occasion have to face aggression or verbal abuse that could escalate into something physical. Having this amazing app gives our staff some security in knowing that, once activated, it provides a safety net and, if necessary, evidence, in terms of picture and sound, and communicates location immediately. For me, it is a low-cost investment in my staff’s safety.”
Nick’s charitable work was recognised recently when he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Gloucestershire, where he also guest lectures and contributes to research.
To find out more about the Hollie Guard Trust and the Hollie Guard App visit: https://hollieguard.com
For more information about Fraser Allen Estate Management visit: https://www.fraserallenem.co.uk/
If you are interested in sponsoring one of the events, or donating prizes to a raffle, you can do so via fundraising@holliegazzard.org
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