Our newest Patron of Kaleidoscopic UK, Zoe Dronfield
As the the 16 days of activism ends we are delighted our activism continues.. we are honoured to announce that the inspiration, campaigner and amazing survivor, Zoe Dronfield has today become our newest Patron of Kaleidoscopic UK!!
Zoe through her work and campaigning is creating much needed change as well as support for fellow victim-survivors.
The author of the insightful and inspirational book Mind over Manipulators, an in depth real life experience of abuse and highlights failures in the systems she has also set about to change.
We are delighted to have Zoe as our newest patron, as a survivor zoe understands our ethos and aims at identifying and plugging the gaps that sadly exist. Challenging system failures to achieve a better experience for others escaping abuse and agrees that educating for prevention is urgently needed.
We are grateful to Zoe for all that she continues to do and for who she is, she shows that recovery is possible and not only can you survive but can thrive with the right support. We look forward to all we can achieve together!
Zoe Dronfield is a survivor of a high-profile domestic violence attack, having been tortured and held for over eight hours. Although she escaped with her life, she was then subjected to a justice system that she describes as broken.
Using her 20+ years of professional experience working across the public sector, health, law enforcement and local government, advising on technology and services that support government policy, and having run a child protection agency, she can see clearly where the system is failing, so is compelled to make a difference.
A regular commentator in the media, Zoe is a campaigner for the rights of women, victims of domestic abuse and stalking. She has made fundamental changes in both the criminal and family justice system by using her own experiences to highlight failings and has changed legislation to close
loopholes.
Zoe is also on the Trust Board of Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service, the first trauma informed service for high-risk victims of stalking, and sits on the Victim and Witness Engagement Group at the Ministry of Justice with an input into court reform.
Zoe has even incorporated her keen interest in property to help others and owns a property
portfolio in her home city Coventry, where she works with local charities to house victims of abuse and homelessness.
Zoe said: “It’s an absolute honour to be asked to be patron of such a fantastic charity. The work Kaleidoscopic UK do is invaluable. They truly understand the journey of those experiencing domestic abuse all victims; adults and children as they are a team of survivors supporting survivors.
There is nothing more valuable than the validation and understanding of those who have also found themselves a victim to such a heinous crime. Together we will continue to support and advocate for victims by keeping the conversation alive.
We must make domestic abuse a perpetrators problem and put the onus on those who abuse to change! I’m very much looking forward to being part of the Kaleidoscopic UK Team”
Michelle Jordan, our new patron
We are delighted and honoured that Michelle has become a patron for Kaleidoscopic UK.
Michelle is a current radio presenter at BBC radio berks weekdays for “michelle on the move” which covers numerous topics and local causes/issues among a heart-warming and an often laugh out loud show which michelle makes all listeners feel like part of the family with such ease.
Michelle presents on BBC radio oxford at weekends where again you can catch her show that makes your weekend far more entertaining, especially in 2020 where radio presenters are all some will get for interaction, again like all michelle does is delivered with kindness, happiness, putting her honesty, heart and soul into it.
Michelle is also a former morning breakfast radio presenter for Heart FM between 2010 and 2019 where, I’m sure like us, you were as heart broken and shed a tear when that ended last year after the station became nationally based. How lucky are we to have the reading treasure still able to brighten our whole week on the radio though.
Michelle is loved by us and all locally and beyond for her honest, bubbly and fun radio shows reaching far and wide, To have spoken about difficult subjects on the radio with michelle and her knowledge around domestic abuse, plus being an inspirational woman in all respects, we couldn’t think of a better suited patron. Thank you michelle for believing in us and being our first Patron and for being the incredible person you are.
Here’s a message from Michelle herself…
“Hi there my name is Michelle Jordan. I’d like to help in any way I can to raise awareness of Domestic Abuse.
After having witnessed first-hand one of my best friends suffer at the hands of her abuser and feeling helpless I never want to feel like that again. I also had feelings of despair, frustration, anger and an overwhelming feeling of not doing enough to challenge her abuser and get her out of that situation. I have unfortunately seen different types of coercive control in my friendship group, one in a younger male friend (he was the victim) & one in a very close friend who had endured this situation for a couple of decades while her kids were growing up.
Luckily in all 3 cases they are now living happy & fulfilling lives, no longer scared but the scars rear their ugly heads now and again. They have all found coping strategies and recognise that they are survivors. I know that some people have nowhere to turn and so the work Kaleidoscopic do could be life changing & life saving!
If thru my social media & my general gobby-ness on the radio helps this wonderful charity then bring it on!
Mich xx”
