Date published: 23 December 2025
Christmas spirit was in full force at Brighton & Hove refuge this week thanks to donations from author and content creator, ‘Five Minute Mum’, and local technology provider, Trustco.
Daisy Upton, also known as ‘Five Minute Mum’ on Instagram and Facebook, has amassed more than 300,000 followers across the platforms, written four parenting books and co-founded a parent and teacher learning platform.
Based in Sussex, Daisy has supported leading housing provider, Stonewater’s Brighton & Hove refuge for the last five years.
This year, after sharing the refuge’s Amazon wish list on her social media channels, Daisy has created a Christmas miracle, with over 1,500 parcels being donated and enough gift cards for every survivor that Stonewater supports at its refuges and dispersed properties across England.
Adding to this surge of support, Trustco donated £300 worth of carefully selected gifts and life essentials directly to the Brighton & Hove refuge, ranging from pillows, eye masks and toothbrushes to games, books and crafty activities for children.
Laura Litchfield, Service Manager for Brighton & Hove Refuge, said: "We can’t thank Daisy, her followers, and businesses like Trustco enough. Our survivors arrive with very little, but these gestures of kindness let them know they are loved. It has made Christmas a little bit brighter during a difficult time."
Daisy Upton, ‘Five Minute Mum’, said: “I’ve seen firsthand the difference these donations make. Some followers say it’s now part of their Christmas tradition. The work Stonewater does is really close to my heart and I’m delighted to be a small part of it.”
Kiera-Mai Capon, Domestic Abuse Support Worker at the refuge, explained: “We use our donations from the wish list all year round. Women and children who come to us usually only arrive with a couple of bags, but these donations ensure we can set up all new families with essentials like warm bedding, toiletries, treats and games. We couldn’t do it without supporters like Daisy and Trustco.”
Stonewater’s domestic abuse services provide safe, inclusive and empowering support for all survivors of domestic abuse including women, men, children, the LGBTQ+ community, minoritised communities and those with complex needs.
Earlier this year, Stonewater had its outstanding commitment to supporting domestic abuse survivors recognised with a prestigious Leading Lights accreditation, awarded by charity, SafeLives.
Leading Lights recognises organisations across the UK that provide high-quality domestic abuse services and meet rigorous standards.
