Women’s Aid ABCLN has received a grant of £49,997 from Nationwide Building Society as part of their Community Grants programme, which brings their members and colleagues together to help tackle the housing crisis.
The grant will enable Women’s Aid ABCLN to provide an early intervention approach to address the devastating impact of domestic abuse for women and children by funding three Family Support Workers based in the local community.
Women’s Aid ABCLN provides confidential support, information and emergency accommodation for women and children who are affected by domestic abuse across Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey.
Fran O’Boyle, Area Manager with Women’s Aid ABCLN said:
“One in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. PSNI respond to one incident of domestic abuse every 16 minutes. For every incident we know the impact on women and children can be devastating.”
“Family Support Workers will provide practical and emotional support for mums and their children looking at issues including healthy eating, behaviour management, and sleep routines, promoting positive play and family activities together. The project will reduce risk, increase safety and prevent separation, strengthening family relationships, enabling women to sustain their tenancy and preventing homelessness.”
Fran said: “We are delighted to receive this Community Grant from Nationwide Building Society and look forward to working in partnership with staff in our local branch here in Ballymena and across Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey to support our work over the coming year."
Nationwide Building Society has run its Community Grants programme since 2017 – offering grants of up to £50,000 to local charities and projects, particularly those focussed on housing. This year, it’s awarded a total of £4.3 million to 96 housing related projects across the UK.
Nationwide Branch Manager in Ballymena, Sue Addison said:
“Helping local communities and charities is at the heart of what it means to be a building society for Nationwide. We are pleased our Community Grants programme is going to make a difference through this £49,997 grant to Women’s Aid ABCLN helping them make a difference to the lives of those who rely on their services.”
Over the last five years, Nationwide Building Society has awarded £22 million to housing charities up and down the UK. That means almost 118,500 people are now living safer, happier lives. From April 2023, Nationwide will be offering new grant applicants up to £60,000 to support those in housing need.
For more information and support you can contact Women’s Aid ABCLN on 028 25 632136 or go to womens-aid.org.uk