Llanelli Women’s Aid, a charity that helps support women and children who have/are experiencing domestic abuse to live independently, is celebrating having received a grant of £31,100. The funding has been made by the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales through its Community Programme. Funding will support the costs of a Crisis Intervention/Admin support worker and increase the number of women and children the charity is able to reach and support, to rebuild their lives after domestic abuse.
Through its ‘One Stop Shop’, due to open at the end of this year, Llanelli Women’s Aid will bring a wide range of support services directly to women and children who are looking to overcome domestic abuse. This is the first time such a central access point to domestic abuse services will be available to women and children in the area. The One Stop Shop will provide a range of free services which includes counselling, police and legal advice and support, health visits and further advice on social care and welfare.
The centre is expecting to help over one hundred women suffering from domestic abuse to successfully move on from abusive relationships this year, through its Freedom Programme. This consists of a rolling programme, delivered to women by trained staff members. The programme identifies the tactics abusers use, the beliefs held by abusers and the affects that Domestic Abuse has on women and children. The Freedom Programme also empowers women to recognise potential future abusers.
Funding from the Lloyds TSB Foundation will ensure a Crisis Intervention worker is available to speak to and welcome service users on their initial contact with the service – ensuring new arrivals receive expert help and support in coming to terms with their experience and planning how to move forward from it.
Vicky Pedicini, Project Manager of Llanelli Women’s Aid commented on the importance of the grant. “We are extremely grateful to Lloyds TSB to have received this funding, particularly in light of the current economic crisis. The grant means that we will be able to reach more vulnerable women and children in the community to offer them the support they need. We are looking forward to working in partnership with other agencies.”
Lloyds TSB Foundation grant manager for Mid and South Wales, Mike Lewis, added, ”It was clear from my visit that Llanelli Women’s Aid are improving the life choices and chances of people looking to move on from domestic abuse. The Lloyds TSB Foundation is delighted to support their work.”
To find out more about the support available from Llanelli Women’s Aid, please contact Vicky Pedicini by email at vpedicini@llanelliwa.org.uk or by calling 01554 752 422.
The Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales supports charities that help disadvantaged people to play a fuller role in the community. Local or regional charities with an income up to £1million and national charities with an income up to £5 million can find out more about the funding criteria and grant programmes at www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk
