Swindon domestic abuse support service boosted by £30k grant
It will help Swindon Women's Aid tackle the root causes of domestic violence
A domestic abuse support service in Swindon is being boosted by a £30,000 grant from the Zurich Community Trust.
The donation to Swindon Women's Aid (SWA) will help the charity deliver it's services to people in unhealthy and abusive relationships.
Kate Rowland from SWA told us the grant, the destination of which is voted for by staff at the Community Trust, will allow them to continue tackling the root causes of domestic violence.
"We're always kind of ambitious in trying to reach more people and trying to do different projects and pilot different initiatives. So it really is about, yeah, just trying to support all of the different work as much as we possibly can," she said.
Kate said the grant is 'huge' for the charity and is different from other sums which may stipulate that they're used for specific services. However, this cash can be used however the charity see's fit, whether it's to boost services or simply cover running costs.
It comes at a crucial time, Kate told us, as the charity is reshaping its outlook after its previous contract with the Borough Council to run the women's refuge and community services was moved to a different provider.
"We're currently kind of reshaping our future as a charity and the commitment of the funds continuing from Zurich just came at such an important time for us when we're looking at really reshaping ourselves as a charity focused on prevention and early intervention and education around domestic abuse, so those funds will really help us to focus in on those things," she said.
The team at Swindon Women's Aid will be concentrating on helping people change their behaviours, in cases where they're displaying unhealthy and abusive behaviours.
Kate said it's vital that people suffering reach out for help.
She said: "It only needs to be a conversation if you are reaching out to one of the helplines," she said, adding: "You will be listened to you will be believed and you will be treated without judgement and without any pressure to take any steps.
"Then further that you can get some advice, you can share your worries and you can have somebody help you feel a little bit clearer about what you want to do next and get that support to move forward to a healthier future."