A UNIQUE charity has been launched in Malvern to support women who have suffered and survived domestic abuse.
The SupportWorks Foundation was officially unveiled at a garden ceremony on Thursday (July 17) at its home in Colwall and marks the formalisation of work carried out by a group called the ‘Butterflies’.
What started as a self-help group in 2010 has now blossomed into a respected organisation offering recovery programmes which has helped more than 1,000 women already.
They began with the simple aim of trying to raise money for other victims to access services in Worcestershire and the charity has been launched in the hope of raising awareness and generating further funding.
Recovery programmes will be completely free of charge and predominately aimed at survivors who will receive a series of four sessions designed to empower them and help rebuild their lives. Training will also be provided to professionals who themselves deal with victims of domestic abuse such as police officers and health staff.
The charity will also run a programme for teenagers to educate them about relationships involving outreach work in schools.
Although based in Colwall, members of SupportWorks will conduct meetings with victims in undisclosed locations in the areas considered of highest need throughout Worcestershire including Malvern, Worcester, Wyre Forest, Redditch and Bromsgrove. Although essentially the service is available to anyone in the country.
Founder member Kay Clarke paid thanks to Alison Darling, David Ratcliffe and Denise Bowring who have agreed to be trustees and to Tricia Bradbury for acting as a patron.
She said: “Their governance, leadership and support will ensure many more women have access to the support we offer; many more professionals will have the high level of training they want to support them in their work with women, children and families and at last, the young people of Worcestershire will receive an educational programme that asks them to think critically about relationship issues and gives them a voice to become part of the solution.”
Kay added: “Amazing things happen when butterflies spread their wings. Not only are they free to fly high but they have a purpose in life and the energy to fulfil it.”
People can email [email protected] with their contact details for more information.
Visit www.malvernobserver.co.uk for testimonials from those who have already benefited from members’ support.
