Hello from the reception desk at One in Four’s office on Arran Quay, Dublin!

I'm Ann Marie and I've welcomed so many wonderful people to One in Four's offices for nearly 18 years. When anyone walks through the door, I’m the first face they see –and this is an incredible privilege for me.

You see, it takes enormous bravery to visit us. People can spend months, or even years, summoning up the courage. Often, they’re fearful of unlocking terrible memories. It’s totally understandable that they’re wary of reliving the worst experiences.

Many hoped time would make everything better. But it didn’t... So they took a huge step. They contacted One in Four – and finally walked through the door.

THE BEST DECISION

My aim always is to give them an immediate sense this was the best decision they ever made. Hopefully, after they’ve spent time with us, they’ll know this for sure.

But why am I telling you all this?

It’s simply because we need to keep our door open. We need to keep welcoming people after they’ve made one of the bravest decisions of their lives.

And above all else, we need to keep our promise that we will continue listening to them.

YOU CAN HELP US KEEP WELCOMING SURVIVORS

Once – not so long ago – doors were firmly shut in the face of people who had experienced childhood abuse. Few would listen to, or believe them.

Thankfully, this has changed. Services like One in Four now help people heal – and for hundreds in recent years, this experience started when they opened our door and said hello to me.

That’s why I’m so passionate about keeping our door open and welcoming them.

A WELCOME NOT JUST AT CHRISTMAS

‘Welcome home’ signs blaze bright at the country’s airports at this time of year. Candles flicker in the windows of thousands of homes, promising warmth within.

One in Four wants to send this signal of welcome all year round. But the harsh reality is that we urgently need your support to do this – and that’s why we are asking you to make a Christmas gift to One in Four today.

WE’RE TURNING TO YOU

People affected by abuse turn to One in Four for compassion and healing. Now at Christmas time we, in turn, are reaching out to you for something far simpler. We are asking you to give whatever you can to help us reach our target of €21,250 this year.

This is the amount we need to cut our waiting lists. These are one of our great challenges, and sources of frustration...

So please give whatever you can afford. Every cent will help us cut waiting times. So please don’t think that even a small amount won’t be welcome – I promise you it will be.