Support staff at Motherwell and District Women’s Aid have been praised for their incredible work.
Clare Adamson MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, paid tribute to the incredible efforts to the organisation’s specialist support workers and its “lifeline services”.
The MSP made the remarks as she welcomed the Scottish Government announcement that more than 100 organisations across Scotland working to tackle violence against women and girls will share in a funding uplift of £2.4 million.
It will bring the total investment in Delivering Equally Safe, which funds projects to prevent violence and support survivors, up to £21.6 million for the year ahead subject to the 2025-26 Scottish Budget being approved.
Motherwell and District Women’s Aid (MDWA) received funding of £240,943 as part of the wider investment, a welcome increase of 12 per cent for the charity based at the town’s Flemington Court.
The not-for-profit grassroots support platform and network provides specialist support, expert advice and refuge for women and young people at risk of domestic abuse.
Karen Moore, Interim Change Manager, said: “MDWA has been providing trauma informed specialist Domestic Abuse support to survivors across the Motherwell District for over 20 years.
“Every year we work with over 900 women and children providing direct emotional support which may also include safe accommodation, advocacy, court support, outreach services and follow on, we also run group programmes including Own my Life.
“MDWA has a long-standing commitment to addressing the dual challenges of poverty and trauma faced by women and children affected by Domestic Abuse in North Lanarkshire.
“Our comprehensive support services are designed to break the cycles of poverty and trauma by providing immediate assistance and fostering long-term resilience.
“Our work is not just a job it is a privilege for us to serve our communities and to make a difference to people’s lives.
“Delivering Equally Safe is one of our main long standing funding sources and we are very grateful to Scottish Government and our other partners and funders who support our vital work with women and children who are impacted by Domestic Abuse throughout the Motherwell District in North Lanarkshire.”
MDWA serves 1.2 million people – 23 per cent of the total population of Scotland
Ms Adamson, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, said: “Scottish Government investment in grassroots organisations will support life-changing work for women and children in acutely difficult circumstances.
“Tackling gender-based violence is a collective priority and local organisations like Motherwell and District Women’s Aid provide crucial specialist support and refuge.
“We like to think we have progressed as a society but discrimination, domestic abuse, and gender-based violence is a lived reality for thousands of women and girls across Scotland.
“Financial dependence is one of the big barriers that women face in leaving abusive relationships. Many women in these situations face mental ill health, stigma, and feel trapped in their circumstances.
“Compassion, empathy, and a resolve to prevent abuse occurring in the first place must be our response. This funding boost will support organisations that are giving women and children access to the support they need and deserve.
“Demand for these services continues to grow. In part, that may be a reduction in stigma and more people feel able to seek support. But the pressure on these services should be a sobering reminder of the work we still have to do to eliminate gender-based violence.
“MDWA services have been a lifeline to people in Motherwell and Wishaw. Their expertise is invaluable and I am delighted that the Scottish Government is backing this incredible organisation.”
If you have questions or concerns about your safety or wellbeing, Motherwell and District Women’s Aid can provide confidential and safe support and guidance.
Call 01698 321000 or email: [email protected]
If you feel scared of your partner or if you are worried about someone you know, get in touch with Scotland’s 24 hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 027 1234, email: [email protected], message the text/WhatsApp service on 07401 288 595, or visit: sdafmh.org.uk
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