Could you become a ‘Friend’ and help raise funds to support a local charity?

A Cornish based charity that supports women and girls, who have been affected by domestic violence and sexual abuse, is looking for more people to sign up to their ‘Friends’ scheme.

The scheme, run by the Women’s Centre Cornwall, enables members of the public to set up a regular donation to help them continue to support survivors. Donations can be from as little as ￡1 per week, but every penny raised will be used to work with women and girls supported by the charity.

As a Friend of the Women’s Centre Cornwall not only will members be helping to make a difference towards ending violence against women and girls, but they will also receive details of news and events, invites to campaigns and activities, a quarterly newsletter, and an exclusive annual Friends only event.

Fundraiser Tamsin Chapman-Gunner Said: “The Friends of the Centre scheme has been running for several years but this year we have decided to expand on what we currently offer our members and invite more people to join us.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has not only changed how people give to charities, but it has also highlighted just how important organisations such as ours are. The pandemic saw many survivors trapped at home with their abuser with no reprieve or way of escape. Recent media reports have highlighted that the demand for services such as ours has increased, as a result we will be looking at more ways to work with the community, local organisations and businesses for fundraising going forward. It is, however, important to remember that domestic violence and sexual abuse has existed for a long time and will do not disappear just because lockdown measures have been lifted”

The threat and reality of male violence affects all women and girls. After more than 25 years of work in Cornwall, The Women’s Centre Cornwall still identifies that sexual and domestic violence are the biggest barriers to women’s empowerment. In addition to providing specialist support to survivors of abuse, the organisation actively reaches out to women who are at risk of abuse, marginalised women and those who experiencing a negative impact in their daily lives due to the consequences of being abused. They want all women and girls to have their full human rights, reach their potential and actively participate in their own lives and communities.

CEO Jackie May said: “Sexual and domestic abuse are deeply traumatic experiences with serious and longstanding consequences including negative impacts upon relationships, self-worth, ability to concentrate, confidence, health, and wellbeing. Many women will experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Our empowerment model of support helps women and girls to understand what has happened to them and how it has affected them. With our support, women and girls are able to move on with their lives, restore their sense of wellbeing and have a much better chance of reaching their potential and living happy, fulfilling lives.”

The Women’s Centre Cornwall helpline is available Monday – Friday 10am-1pm and Monday & Thursday evenings 6-9pm By calling 01208 77099.

To join the Friends scheme of for any other Fundraising enquiries please email [email protected], for more information on the Women’s Centre Cornwall visit www.womenscentrecornwall.org.uk or find us on Facebook.