Everyone who knows me, knows that I love a drink. I'll always take that extra top up, or coax you into that second bottle of wine. This year has been difficult, even tragic, for many people. Alcohol has become more than a social pleasure for many, myself included, instead becoming the crutch that supported us through the difficult days of lockdown. It has impacted my mental health, my skin, my weight, and my general sense of well being. 

But I'm one of the lucky ones. For many women, and children, increased alcohol consumption during lockdown has meant increased suffering at the hands of an abusive partner or parent. Requests for support from domestic abuse charities, like Glasgow Women's Aid, have skyrocketed. They are currently putting out an urgent appeal for donations to ensure that they can continue supporting women, children and young people experiencing or leaving domestic abuse during the festive season while in lockdown. 

I want to show my support, and raise funds, for the women and children who are suffering far more than me because of the lockdown. I couldn't think of a better way to do it than to give up alcohol for January, and start 2021 in a positive way, even though I know I won't find it easy. I'd be grateful if you could support me, and Glasgow Women's Aid, in any way that you can.

http://www.glasgowwomensaid.org.uk