Women’s Aid service set to host open day

A team that offers a vital service to those with experience of domestic abuse is to host an open day in Barrhead.

Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire (WASLER) is staging the event at its base in the Barrhead Foundry tomorrow, March 8, to mark International Women’s Day.

Staff work alongside the domestic abuse team at the East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership to offer refuge to women and children who need a safe place to stay.

Christine Miller, of WASLER, said:“This is the first time we have held an open day for the Women’s Aid service since we moved to our new offices at the Barrhead Foundry.

“Many women in East Renfrewshire have had their lives turned round by the support our team can offer.

“Not only do we provide crisis support but also a range of services to help women, children and young people recover from domestic abuse and rebuild their lives.”

East Renfrewshire Provost Mary Montague and Councillor Katie Pragnell, convener for health and social care, will both attend the event, which runs from 1pm until 4pm.

Councillor Pragnell said:“International Women’s Day is such an important date in the year and staging this open day for such a vital service is a fitting way to mark the occasion.

“I look forward to meeting the staff and finding out how women have been empowered to make positive changes in their lives.”

Provost Montague added: “International Women’s Day is when we recognise the continuing campaign for gender equality and the work to end gender-based violence.

“It celebrates women’s achievements, including those of volunteer local women who worked with me to form the first East Renfrewshire Women’s Aid group over 20 years ago.

“I am particularly pleased therefore to attend this event. My message to women is that you are not alone and the local Women’s Aid service provides confidential information and support, including refuge accommodation.”