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WMWA Newsletter, July 2025
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Welcome to our July newsletter!
July has been a month full of inspiration and action. From singing in the sunshine at the High Sheriff’s Garden Party to celebrating Bear - our newly qualified therapy dog - there’s been plenty to smile about!
We continue to amplify survivor voices through the latest powerful story in our One in Twelve series and are grateful to the local businesses who raised over £600 for our work through a fantastic netball tournament fundraiser. We also attended the Women’s Aid Federation England Annual Conference, taking part in vital conversations shaping the future of our sector.
Looking ahead, we’re inviting survivors to join our Lived Experience Advisory Network, welcoming applications for new Trustees, and calling on supporters to sponsor our team in the upcoming Symonds Yat Canoe and Hike Challenge.
Thank you for your continued support,
From the West Mercia Women's Aid Team! |
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High Sheriff's Garden Party
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In July our CEO Sue Coleman and our wonderful choir attended The High Sheriff of Herefordshire's Garden Party at the beautiful Winsley Park Farm.
The High Sheriff, Helen Bowden, first saw our work during an International Women’s Day event earlier this year. Since then, she and Sue have met to discuss the support WMWA provides across the county.
We’re especially grateful for The High Sheriff’s commitment to using her platform to raise awareness of local charities and to help build stronger connections between organisations working to make a difference. |
| Join our choir! |
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One in Twelve - Marie's Story
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On 23rd July 2024, the first National Policing Statement on Violence Against Women and Girls was published. The report highlights that at least 1 in 12 women will be victims of male violence each year, though the real number is likely higher. One year on, we stay committed to ensuring this report - and the truths it reveals - are not forgotten. For every newsletter, we ask one of the women who has recently used WMWA’s services to tell their story.
This is Marie's story - Marie is in her late 60s and described a relationship of twenty years characterised by neglect, as well as verbal, financial and physical abuse.
Today she reflects: “If I went back to look at what I had been living in compared to now I would be very shocked.” |
| Read Marie's Story |
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Join the Lived Experience Advisory Network |
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The Lived Experience Advisory Network gives a voice for those who have been through domestic abuse. Helping them feel empowered by using their experience to shape change for themselves and others who share their story.
We are offering an opportunity for those who have experienced domestic abuse to inform decision-making and Domestic Abuse Strategy across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, by joining the Lived Experience Advisory Network.
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| Join today |
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Bear qualifies as a Therapy Dog! |
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We’re thrilled to announce that Bear and his owner Jo (Children and Young People's Worker at Hereford Refuge) have officially completed their training with PAWS Therapy Dog Training. After a year of dedication and hard work, Bear has now graduated as an accredited therapy dog for Hereford Refuge! We couldn’t be prouder of this incredible duo.
Whether it’s being gently stroked, playing in the garden, or going for a calming walk, Bear is already making a profound therapeutic difference in the lives of the children and young people he meets. We’re so pleased that those staying in the refuge can benefit from his comforting presence. |
| Read the full article |
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Women's Aid Federation Annual Conference |
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In July we attended the annual Women’s Aid Federation England’s conference.
The key theme was billed as the celebration of success of the sector – with WAFE marking its 50th anniversary last year. However, and not surprisingly, the strongest messages were about how much there is still to do and how – across the sector – the capacity to tackle domestic abuse in all its forms is hampered by a lack of resources.
It was an opportunity to share experience and renew our sense of solidarity, as collectively we challenge the attitudes and behaviours that stand in the way of achieving safety and equality for women.
For WMWA, the message received was that our approach is the right one. We will continue to prioritise work that raises awareness of the impact of domestic abuse on people’s lives and on local communities. By sharing our message, volunteering, fundraising, or simply talking about our work, you help us be more than just a service provider – you make us a powerful force for change in our community.
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| Find out more |
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Expansion of The Drive Project |
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A significant multi-year investment has been announced for the expansion of The Drive Project across England and Wales.
The Drive Project is a flagship intervention working with those causing harm in their relationships, to prevent abusive behaviour and protect victim-survivors. Cranstoun runs this project in West Mercia, by liaising with police officers, support agencies, caseworks and directly with those presenting abusive, challenging and violent behaviour.
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| Find out more |
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Get on board with us!
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We have an exciting vacancy for a volunteer to join our Board of Trustees at West Mercia Women’s Aid.
We want to hear from you if you are passionate about helping us create a better future for those whose lives have been affected by domestic abuse.
Do you have the energy, ideas and creativity to help shape and sustain this crucial work?
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| Apply here |
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Local businesses take to the court to raise money for our services
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On 16th July, Sarah from Dyke Yaxley Chartered Accountants and Zoe from Aaron & Partners Solicitors joined forces to host a charity netball tournament, raising over £600 for our work.
We are deeply grateful to these local businesses for choosing to stand with us and for helping us continue our mission: providing support, protection, and prevention services that empower individuals affected by violence and abuse to rebuild their lives - and the lives of their children.
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| Support our work |
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Growing our IDVA team |
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Over recent months, we’ve seen a significant rise in referrals of women at high risk of serious harm, needing urgent support to help keep them safe.
In response, we have reshaped our Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) Service to prioritise emergency safety work. As part of this, we’ve welcomed eight new IDVA's over the last two months, each bringing a wealth of skills and experience to strengthen our team and enhance the support we can offer to those in crisis.
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| Our IDVA Service |
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