Spotlight on Black Country Women’s Aid
1. Tell us what you do.
Black Country Women’s Aid [BCWA ] was formed 30 years ago by a group of local ladies from West Bromwich who opened a small refuge to help women and children escape from violence and sexual abuse.
Today our charity has 6 refuges providing a safe place to stay, helping to re build and save lives.
Last year we supported over 8,000 women and children to overcome trauma and plan for their future. Our Refuge is more than just a bed, we help families to feel safe, re locate and get back on their feet through specialist support.
Our Domestic Abuse Team support victims in the community and at court.
We provide practical advocacy and specialist counselling to help victims of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse.
Our Young People’s Team support children and young people who have suffered domestic abuse, rape and sexual exploitation
We also offer safe refuge and community support to people trafficked to the UK for forced labour and prostitution through our Modern day Slavery Team.
2. What is your proudest achievement?
Making sure that whenever a victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse presents across our borough needing help they can always reach us for support.
3. What is your experience of support received from SCVO
We have received great support with sign posts to funding, other partners, networking and advice.
4. What is the most valuable lession you learnt about working with people in Sandwell?
To Listen.
5. What are your plans for the future and some of the challenges you face?
Our plans are to raise our profile across The Black Country Area in order to raise funds for our vital work.
The statistics in the Black Country area are shocking for Domestic Violence and sexual abuse. We need local businesses and the community to help by making donations of food, toiletries, clothes, toys and money so we can educate our next generation and look after the people in our care.
Our challenge is to let everyone know how we are helping vulnerable people and children and gain local support. We also need volunteers to help us spread the message.
6. How can SCVO help you to support your organisation in the future?
SCVO has helped BCWA with many things we look forward to receiving your weekly updates and advice on new opportunities and information on other members so we can work in collaboration.
To find out more information on Black Country Women’s Aid please call 0121 553 0090 or visit their website by clicking here.