After Gloriavale Escape Appeal

Is the word "Escape" too dramatic? Many Gloriavale leavers use this word to describe their urgency in leaving. Other use fled, expelled, squeezed out, excluded, thrown out, withdrew and left. All say it was a difficult decision to make. Desperation v Salvation. What a choice to make.

And yet people keep leaving Gloriavale as pressure grows on the reclusive West Coast community.

For many years the Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust has supported those who leave the community to start new lives – providing everything from houses, to transport, to clothing, household goods and ongoing support as leavers get used to the ‘outside’ world. Rarely do leavers describe their leaving process as being a walk in the park or a normal day at the office.

We've now launched the "After the Escape" Appeal to address the growing demand so we can support those leaving Gloriavale to get on their feet and integrate into society.

Families leave quickly with few personal possessions, and very large families (sometimes more than 10 children). Thanks to amazing communities, we have plenty of access to clothing and furniture at present, but our current most pressing need is for financial support.

Will you help us to help them?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfDbJHGqVPc:

If you watched the trailer above, and want to see more, Escaping Utopia is 3-part doco-series featuring leavers' stories and our Trust's support network. It will be aired on TVOne and On Demand starting 24 March 2024.