|
|
 |
|
Thank you to Latimer Court Care Home for their wonderful donation of Easter eggs for our clients. |
WMWA Newsletter, March 2026
|
|
As we look back at March, this edition of our newsletter highlights the power of community, partnership and lived experience in shaping safer futures for women and children across West Mercia. From Carrie’s courageous One in Twelve story to the inspiring generosity of our supporters and local groups, we are reminded that change is driven by people coming together with compassion and determination.
In this issue, we celebrate recent fundraising successes, including exceeding our target for a new therapy room, and share opportunities to support our work through initiatives like Payroll Giving and new partnerships. We also reflect on important national conversations around violence against women and girls, look back at International Women’s Day, and continue our commitment to inclusive, accessible services for all.
Thank you for standing alongside us - your support enables us to be there for every survivor who needs to be heard, believed and supported.
From the West Mercia Women's Aid Team! |
|
|
One in Twelve - Carrie's Story |
|
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. 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 Carrie’s story and her experience of leaving a toxic relationship to protect her daughter’s future, while navigating the loneliness and anxiety that followed. After reaching out to our team, she found comfort in being truly heard - something that helped her feel less alone and begin to see a way forward.
|
| Read Carrie's Story |
|
|
A Visit to Brimfield Women's Insistue
|
|
Our CEO, Sue Coleman, was delighted to visit Brimfield WI at their meeting on 16th March. We are always grateful for opportunities to connect with local community groups, share our work, and raise awareness of domestic abuse.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Brimfield WI for their generous donation of £200 in support of our services. Their kindness and commitment are truly appreciated. |
| Support Our Work |
|
|
Support WMWA through Payroll Giving
|
|
Payroll Giving (also known as Give As You Earn) is an easy, convenient and tax-effective way to make regular donations. Because your gift is taken from your gross salary - before tax is deducted - it costs you less to give more. Through Payroll Giving, you can donate directly to West Mercia Women’s Aid, receiving immediate tax relief on every donation.
Check with your employer to see if they offer Payroll Giving. If they do, your employer will arrange your regular donation through your salary. If your employer doesn’t yet offer Payroll Giving, you can encourage them to set up a scheme. They will need to register with an approved Payroll Giving agency. |
| Find out more! |
|
|
|
|
|
Celebrating International Women’s Day
|
|
On Saturday 7th March, West Mercia Women’s Aid in partnership with Herefordshire Women’s Equality Group hosted an event to mark International Women’s Day. The day was not only about celebrating the strength, achievements and voices of women, but also recognising the continued importance of protecting women’s rights and pushing forward for equality.
Progress matters, and together we must continue to stand our ground.
|
| Read the full article |
|
|
Premiums For Purpose |
|
Through our new partnership with Premiums for Purpose, 50% of the commission they earn will be generously donated to West Mercia Women’s Aid every time you purchase any of the insurance products they offer, including travel, home, pet and vehicle insurance, via their network of 150 aggregated insurers.
*Please note: WMWA does not endorse or recommend any specific insurance company or insurance product. All insurance policies are provided through Premiums for Purpose and their aggregated panel of insurers. WMWA is not responsible for the terms, conditions, suitability, or performance of any insurance policy purchased. |
| Find out more |
|
|
Engaging Students at the Royal National College for the Blind |
|
We were delighted to be invited to take part in a student-led health and wellbeing event at the Royal National College for the Blind. Our team delivered interactive activities focused on healthy relationships and self-care, sparking thoughtful conversations and creativity among students and staff alike.
It was an inspiring day that reinforced our commitment to making our services accessible to everyone in our community. |
| Read the full story on our blog |
|
|
MP Jess Phillips reads out list of women killed by men in past year |
|
On Thursday 12th March 2026 Jess Philips MP stood in Parliament and read the names of 100 women killed in the UK by men or where a man has been charged since last International Women’s Day, and a further 11 women who were killed before that but whose names we had not known last year.
This year marks 11 years working in collaboration with Counting Dead Women, the Femicide Census’ sister project.
|
| Read the full article |
|
|
Fighting with Pride
|
|
West Mercia Women’s Aid’s Penelope Project is proud to be committed to the Pride in Veteran Standard (PiVS), having been a registered organisation for over a year. This commitment reflects our dedication to warmly welcoming LGBTQ+ veterans, serving personnel, and their families, while ensuring our staff and volunteers understand the unique challenges they may face -particularly those affected by the Armed Forces’ former “gay ban.”
We strive to tailor our support to meet individual needs, including mental health support, and to promote inclusion, dignity, and respect in all that we do. We also recognise the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community and remain committed to understanding and supporting each group appropriately.
|
|
|
Funds raised for our new therapy room! |
|
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to our campaign to raise £500 for the creation of a dedicated therapy room for our clients. Thanks to your generosity, we didn’t just reach our goal - we surpassed it, raising an incredible £715!
We are truly grateful for your support and feel so fortunate to be backed by such a kind and generous community.
|
|
|
|
|
