West Lancashire Womens Refuge

NEW!!! LATEST NEWS - updated 1st October 2008

Watch this space for more events taking place with West Lancashire Women's Refuge.

West Lancashire Women's Refuge is to hold it's AGM on Tuesday 25th November at Briars Hall, Lathom, Nr Ormskirk at 4.30pm. Please contact Chris on 01695 733971 if you wish to attend

A Multi-Agency event co-ordinated by West Lancashire Domestic Violence Forum to mark the International Day of Action to end violence to women is due to take place on Tuesday 25th November 2008 9.30am - 4.30pm at Briars Hall Lathom, nr Ormskirk, Lancs L40 5TH. To receive a booking form please email chris@wlwref.org.uk Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Friends of the Refuge 200 club draw.

The draw for the Friends of the Refuge 200 club took place on Wednesday 1 October 2008 at our Information Centre Office in Ormskirk. Winners are as follows.

1st prize, no 61 W Evans, 2nd prize no 83 J Porter & 3rd prize no 91 J Turner. Congratulations to you all and thank you for your continued support.

We recently received a donation of a Flat Screen Television with stand from staff at Procter & Gamble. Staff & residents of West Lancashire Women's Refuge would like to say thank you to all involved for their kindness.

West Lancashire Women's Refuge in plea to migrant workers.

While a fresh start in a foreign country can solve some problems for migrants, others can only be made worse by unfamiliar surroundings.

That is why the Chief Executive of West Lancashire Women's Refuge, is urging foreign victims of domestic abuse to come forward. To this end, the charity's Ormskirk advice centre has signs in both Polish and portuguese in the window. We have seen one or two but we want the women to know that we're there to support them. Abuse happens across the world. It is difficult for women to find help. They won't know where to go.The Chief Executive explained that if she went to a foreign country she would not know what services were available. It's a strange country and it's difficult approaching agencies but we're trying to open the door and reach for them if they do need support. We're trying to break the language barrier down.

Religion and nationality don't matter if youre suffering and you need help then we're there.

The drop in centre is also open to men suffering from domestic abuse although the stigma attached to the issue makes it difficult. It's equal opportunities and we treat everyone the same. A victim is a victim and men do suffer. We've only had a low number but we would really like to encourage it.

We would also like businesses to contribute to the battle against abuse in the home.

The business community loses millions each year through time taken off work because of domestic violence. They should get more involved because it is more cost effective to take an hour off for counselling rather than a day because they're injured.

It would be good if all businesses could have a domestic violence policy.

One message for any sufferer whether male or female British or any other nationality is pick up the phone and call us, we have a 24 hour freephone helpline on 0808 100 3062.

'Help for hidden victims of abuse 'Children must not suffer in silence'

Victims of domestic violence should not suffer in silence. That is the message of a new campaign aimed at kids and mothers by the county council and agencies in the region.

The initiative will make use of children's centres to try and persuade those suffering abuse to come forward. The Chief Executive of West Lancashire Women's Refuge said "Often children are the hidden victims of abuse and the thing we notice is that they are very much aware of what's going on" It can make them withdrawn and wary of adults and can have a big effect. "They don't talk about it to anyone and it is a big responsibility on their shoulders" County councillor Jennifer Mein, cabinet member for children and young people, said "Domestic violence is a crime which has such wide-ranging and damaging effects and we are urging women to report it as soon as it happens."

"In families where domestic violence takes place, children are affected too. In 80 percent of cases they are in the same or the next room." "The thought of seeking help or even leaving the home may seem terrifying to a victim of domestic violence, but there are experienced and caring people who can help"

The 'You Dont Have To Suffer In Silence' campaign is running until the end of June, with funding from the Local Area Agreement, Stronger Safer Communities.

Leaflets and other information are being issued to children's centres, domestic violence organisations, health services, children's social care teams, the police and the probation service.

Service users/ex service users are now enjoying attending a Craft/Art class at our Head Office once a week.Paintings are produced on canvas and are amazing and very colourful. below are just a few of the canvas displays.

A support group/coffee morning is also being held once a week at our head office.

Service users and ex service users have just undertaken a course in household maintenance

The programme was produced and developed to enhance the life skills of women who had experienced domestic violence. In particular, the programme was designed to provide an opportunity for women to regain vital confidence whilst learning basic household maintenance skills.

Forget Me Not Appeal

It was in the sumptuous surroundings of Briars Hall that West Lancashire Women’s Refuge Ltd recently held its first Masked Ball. The event was organised not only to raise awareness of domestic violence, but also to highlight its current fundraising drive, aptly named, the forget me not appeal. The evening has been hailed an overwhelming success, raising well over £1,000, and providing the refuge with much needed funds to enable it to carry on the valuable work it does with vulnerable women and children.

Amongst the many distinguished guests attending this gala event were the Chairman of West Lancashire District Council William Cropper & the Chairman’s Lady Mrs. Susan Cropper, along with Rosie Cooper M.P, who, along with a packed out hall, enjoyed a champagne reception followed by a delicious three course meal, with the popular local band, The Brass Monkeys, providing the evenings entertainment.

The success of any fundraising event lies largely with the people responsible for its organisation and the support it receives from both individuals and organisations alike, the staff and management at West Lancashire Women’s Refuge Ltd are therefore extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to the enormous success of the event, ensuring that not only was a good time had by all, but also that the victims of domestic violence were not forgotten.

West Lancashire Women’s Refuge Ltd would like to give a special thank you to the following people, the sponsors, Briars Hall, Accountancy Services (W.L Ltd), FJC Systems, Hunter Mills and Sawyer Quine & Co, with raffle and auction prizes donated by, Mrs M Westley, L Armitage – Parkinson, S Jump, Alma Christelow, A Stubbart Andrew Collinge, Hotters, Turtle Wax, Briars Hall and Mr. David Dunn of Big Space Plc, for the programme of events.

Auction prizes were donated by Everton F.C. (signed football), Liverpool F.C (Tour of club & museum).