Love Shouldn't Hurt

A Fundraising Ball to Heal, Empower & Amplify Support for Those Affected by Domestic Abuse

Love Shouldn’t Hurt: A Story of Hope is a powerful and uplifting fundraising evening created to honour survivors, empower communities, and raise vital funds for Oasis, a frontline domestic abuse charity supporting adults, children, and families across Kent.

This special event brings together survivor-led storytelling, healing insights, live entertainment, and community solidarity, reminding every attendee that while domestic abuse destroys lives, hope, safety, and recovery are possible when people stand together.

Taking place at the Grand Queen Suite, Lordswood Leisure Centre on 20th February, the ball features a lineup of inspirational keynote speakers, each offering lived experience, expert insight, and messages of courage and transformation.

Keynote Speakers

Hollie Dowding : Lived Experience & Healing Advocate

Hollie shares her powerful journey from surviving domestic abuse to rebuilding through self-love, boundaries, and emotional recovery. Her keynote offers practical, accessible tools such as grounding techniques, compassion-led healing methods, and guidance on accessing safe support. Hollie’s message is clear: you can heal, you are worthy, and you are never alone.

Rebecca Foreman: “Going Unbroken”

Rebecca charts her evolution from victim to survivor to leader. With striking honesty, she discusses the long-term impact of trauma, the importance of safe services, and the tools that helped her reclaim her life. Her message, You are not broken. You are becoming , offers strength and solidarity to anyone navigating life after abuse.

Charlotte Budd: Lived Experience Speaker

Charlotte brings a deeply emotional and hopeful perspective on leaving an abusive relationship, rebuilding her identity, and learning to thrive again. Her story highlights key turning points, support networks, and mindset shifts that helped her step back into her power. She offers reassurance, empathy, and a reminder that joy is possible again.

Mark Brookes OBE: Mankind Initiative

Representing male survivors, Mark sheds light on the unique challenges faced by men experiencing domestic abuse — including stigma, health impacts, and barriers to seeking help. His talk reinforces the vital message that domestic abuse affects all genders, and that inclusive, accessible support services truly save lives.

Why This Event Matters

Every ticket purchased makes a direct and meaningful impact. Funds raised will help expand Oasis’ specialist services, enabling:

More refuge spaces for families in crisis

Enhanced support for children and young people

Specialist programmes for men affected by domestic abuse

Counselling and trauma‑informed recovery services

Early intervention through community outreach and education

Your support helps Oasis continue its mission to keep families safe, provide emergency accommodation, deliver therapeutic services, and guide survivors towards independence and long-term recovery.

What Your Ticket Includes

Inspiration & Impact: Survivor-led keynote talks, powerful lived experience, and uplifting community energy

Healing & Empowerment: Learn practical tools, holistic insights, and wellbeing strategies to support recovery

A Night Out for a Cause: DJ, singers, photo moments, raffle prizes, and a warm, inclusive evening with purpose

This is more than a fundraising ball , it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and hope.

Who the Event Supports

Women, men, and children affected by domestic abuse

Individuals needing refuge, crisis intervention, advocacy, and counselling

Children and young people receiving trauma support

Local communities benefiting from prevention and awareness programmes

Your generosity helps protect lives, strengthen families, and build a future where everyone has the right to live free from fear.

About Oasis

Oasis is a dedicated domestic abuse charity offering refuge accommodation, community-based support, counselling, and services for children and young people. With trauma-informed, survivor-centred practice at the heart of their mission, Oasis supports people from crisis through to long-term recovery, empowerment, and independence.