Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has awarded funding to another organisation that supports women affected by domestic abuse as part of his commitment to champion victims’ rights.
Clive Grunshaw has given £1,200 to Preston-based group Eagle’s Wings from his Community Action Fund so that the group can run recovery-focussed activities for victims and help women rebuild their lives following abuse.
And the Commissioner will officially open the group’s premises, in Lancaster Road, on Thursday (July 16).
Mr Grunshaw said he was committed to supporting charities and community organisations that help victims overcome the ordeal of abuse. Last year, he awarded around £750,000 to domestic abuse charities and organisations. This included £107,000 for Lancashire County Council’s Domestic Abuse services.
The Commissioner said: “One of my key priorities as Police and Crime Commissioner is to protect vulnerable people and champion the rights of victims.
“That’s why providing support for those affected by domestic abuse, such as these fantastic services from Eagle’s Wings, is so vital.
“I want victims to know that support and help is waiting for them as soon as they are ready to take the step.”
The services Eagle’s Wings provide also serve to help alleviate mental health issues such as depression.
Sessions run twice a week, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 10am to 1pm and activities include sewing, mosaic, singing and painting. The group also provides a Victim to Victor programme, English language support, advice and information sessions and food parcels.
Between April 2014 and March 2015, 5,433 domestic assaults – a 7.4 per cent reduction compared with the previous year.
Mr Grunshaw, whose office was awarded White Ribbon Status earlier this year, meaning a pledge was made never to commit, condone or remain silent about domestic abuse, added: “Despite this reduction, I am committed to ensuring victims of domestic abuse get the support they need, when they’re ready for it.”
Lynne Mwale, from Eagle’s Wings, said: “We are delighted the Police and Crime Commissioner is supporting Eagle’s Wings.
“We decided to open this service in Preston because apart from it being a city I love and live in, there has been a steady decline in domestic assaults in this local area as we see laws and police response to domestic abuse change due to awareness and relevant training on the matter.
“We are here to work alongside others who are already working to combat abuse against women, we’re also here to pick up the pieces and help women affected by abuse to rebuild their broken lives into something beautiful.
“All of our activities are provided in a safe, yet empowering environment, enabling women to build their confidence, learn new skills and realise their creative gifts and talents.
“Abuse, under any circumstance is utterly unacceptable. With time, we hope to help break the cycle of domestic abuse in our city.”
As well as taking part in activities, women are also invited to go along to the centre for a chat.
Eagle’s Wings will be officially launched by Mr Grunshaw at a celebration event from 1pm to 3pm at Heritage Church, Lancaster Road North, on July 16.
For more information about Eagle’s Wings, send an email to eagleswings.empower@gmail.com or call 07940074078
