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WMWA Newsletter, October 2025
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Together for Change: October at West Mercia Women’s Aid
This month, our stories shine a light on the power of partnership, community, and courage. Across West Mercia, we’re working alongside schools, healthcare professionals, military communities, and local leaders to build a safer future for women and children - one grounded in understanding, collaboration, and hope.
From empowering young people through education and launching our new domestic abuse training programme, to expanding the Penelope Project for military families and strengthening GP responses through the IRIS initiative, our partnerships are helping more people find safety and support than ever before. We also share Victoria’s Story - a powerful reminder of why this work matters - and celebrate the work of our Trustees during Trustees’ Week. And as we prepare to come together for Reclaim the Night Worcester, we invite you to join us in solidarity, honouring the strength of survivors and standing together for change.
Thank you for your support.
From the West Mercia Women's Aid Team!
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Empowering Young People Through
Partnership
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At West Mercia Women’s Aid, we know that working together creates stronger outcomes. Our Young Person’s Prevention Project brings together expert partners, The RightPath and Everyone’s Invited, to educate young people about healthy relationships, challenge harmful gender stereotypes, and provide schools and communities with practical support.
By combining expertise, experience, and tailored programmes, we’re helping young people across West Mercia build the skills and confidence to thrive.
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| Find out more
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One in Twelve - Victoria's Story
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On 23rd July 2024, the first National Policing Statement on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) was published. The report highlights that at least 1 in 12 women will be victims of VAWG each year, though the real number is likely higher. We are 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 month we share Victoria’s story: At just 18, Victoria has already shown extraordinary courage and resilience. After years of living under strict control and abuse, she has finally begun a new chapter — starting university and building a life of her own, with the help of West Mercia Women’s Aid. Her journey from fear to freedom is both heart-breaking and inspiring, reminding us why support for young women escaping abuse matters so deeply.
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| Read Victoria's Story
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Strengthening Community
Together
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Our CEO Sue Coleman was delighted to attend the Leominster Civic Eucharist with Mayor Tessa Smith-Winnard on 26th October. The event brought together civic leaders and the local community to reflect on shared values, service, and support for those in need. Mayor Tessa highlighted West Mercia Women’s Aid as her chosen charity, and celebrated the work we do to empower women and children affected by domestic abuse. It was a powerful reminder of the impact of community, cooperation, and collective action.
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| Read the full story
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IRIS Herefordshire: Strengthening the Link Between Healthcare and Domestic Abuse Support
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The IRIS (Identification and Referral to Improve Safety) programme in Herefordshire has made a powerful impact since its launch - transforming the way local GP practices identify and respond to domestic abuse. Delivered in partnership between West Mercia Women’s Aid and Herefordshire General Practice, the initiative provides specialist training for healthcare professionals, equipping them to recognise the signs of abuse and connect patients with expert support.
Referrals to WMWA have risen dramatically - from fewer than five a year to over 100 since February 2024 - with trained practices now thirty times more likely to refer patients for specialist help. Beyond improving safety and wellbeing, IRIS also offers proven economic value and vital support in rural communities where isolation and stigma can increase risk.
We are now actively seeking funding to continue this life-changing work and extend its reach even further.
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Supporting Military Families Against Domestic Abuse
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We’re proud to share that the Penelope Project is expanding to RAF Cosford and RAF Shawbury, thanks to further funding through the Armed Forces Covenant.
Building on the success of our work in military communities within Herefordshire and Shropshire, the project provides confidential support for military personnel and their families affected by domestic abuse. By training Domestic Abuse Ambassadors, offering drop-in clinics, and providing tailored one-to-one support, we are helping to create safer, stronger military communities.
Find out more about the impact of this project and what the expansion will mean for military families
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| Find out more
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New Domestic Abuse Training Programme Now Available
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We’re excited to launch a new programme of online domestic abuse training courses, developed and delivered by our experienced team at West Mercia Women’s Aid. Our courses range from the free introductory “Understanding Domestic Abuse” session to specialist topics including Coercive Control, Stalking and Harassment, Domestic Abuse Later in Life, and Counter Allegations, as well as dedicated training for employers on recognising and responding to abuse in the workplace. Each course offers practical tools, evidence-based insight, and a deeper understanding of how to recognise, respond, and refer effectively. Whether you’re a professional, volunteer, or employer, these sessions will help you build confidence and play
a vital role in supporting victims and survivors.
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| Find out more and book your place
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Celebrating our Trustees
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As the UK celebrated Trustees’ Week, we joined in recognising the incredible contribution of nearly one million trustees who help strengthen charities and communities. At West Mercia Women’s Aid, we’re especially grateful to our own dedicated Trustees whose expertise, compassion, and commitment guide our work every day.
Throughout the week, we shared stories from three of our trustees — offering a glimpse into who they are, what motivates them, and why they choose to make a difference.
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| Read their stories here
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Join us at Reclaim the night!
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Reclaim the Night began in the UK in 1977, when women in Leeds and across twelve other cities marched together to demand their right to walk safely at night. The marches were a response to fear, harassment, and curfews placed on women — and a bold statement that safety is a right, not a privilege.
Decades later, the message remains as powerful as ever:
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Join us as we walk together in solidarity, calling for change and celebrating community strength.
Need to know:
Date: 27/11/25
Time: Gather from 18:00; depart at 18:30 prompt
Venue: Meet at 18 Broad St (Boston Tea Party), Worcester (WR1 3NF); finish at The Granary (Hope Church: WR1 2DA)
The Granary will be open from 18:30 for anyone not wishing to march, but wanting to join the gathering.
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