Lochaber Women’s Aid hit hard as funding cuts continue to bite

Lochaber Women’s Aid says the funding cuts imposed by Highland Council in the previous year are continuing to hit the charity hard.

Discussing the matter at the recent AGM, it was emphasised that people should be in no doubt that the cuts to funding have had a direct impact, not only on the employment of staff but on the service offered to the vulnerable women, children and young people of Lochaber.

A further cut to the service this year saw an end to the provision of supported accommodation.

Ironically, following the 10 per cent funding cut, the demand for the women’s service and children’s service increased by 16 per cent and 22 per cent respectively, and for the first time in the history of the service a waiting list is in place for children and young people who need support.

While most businesses and organisations would be proud to see an increase in referrals, sadly an increase in demand for women’s aid means that there is still much to be achieved in securing gender equality.

The AGM reinforced that Lochaber Women’s Aid is very much a people’s organisation – or, to be more specific, a women’s organisation operated by women, supporting women, children and young people in the community suffering the trauma of living with domestic abuse, whatever form that may take.

It was emphasised that the board is extremely grateful to the experienced, professional and dedicated team of staff which works so hard to deliver within the constraints of funding cuts and increased demand.

The organisation welcomed three new directors who bring a wealth of varied skills and knowledge to the board.

Tribute was paid to Liz Fotheringham, who has had to take a step back from the board after giving more than 15 years’ service.

Liz was a founding member of LWA and played a pivotal role as a dedicated support worker and latterly as a board director.

The meeting was also an opportunity to recognise the other achievements over the year, which included an event to celebrate 15 years of service delivery, school and community awareness-raising sessions and being awarded funding via Scottish Women’s Aid to appoint an Ask Me co-ordinator to pilot the Change that Lasts Ambassador project.

Newly appointed chairwoman Helen Gallon thanked everyone in the community who has supported the service and added that the organisation is determined to increase its fundraising activities, starting with a prize bingo evening at Caol Community Centre on Friday November 29.

A futher cut to the service this year saw an end to the provision of supported accommodation.