The Wiltshire Federation of Women’s Institutes (WFWI) has celebrated the 110th anniversary of the WI with a special event to thank their members who volunteer to support victims of domestic abuse.
Hosted at Willowbrook View care home in Wichelstowe, Swindon, the event highlighted the WI’s partnership with Society Without Abuse (SWA) and the Wiltshire Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Coalition (EVAWG). Together, they are working with WIs across Wiltshire to champion an ambitious initiative to train at least 200 SWA Ambassadors.
These ambassadors act as trusted points of contact in their communities ready to listen and signpost support on this sensitive subject. The Ambassadors wear a badge which indicates that they have completed the training delivered by SWA and is intended as a subtle sign for victims that this is a person with whom they can have a discreet conversation. With additional training sessions planned, the numbers of women working towards ending domestic abuse is swelling.
The event was attended by Wiltshire WI’s SWA Ambassadors, as well as Nicky Alberry, Chair of SWA, and Lady Lansdowne, Chair of Wiltshire EVAWG.
Gill Gibson-Piggott of WFWI said: “In many ways, the world in 1915 was very different but the fight against inequality continues. The suffragettes and founders of the WI were fighting for the vote. Over a century later the World Economic Forum says that worldwide gender equality will not be reached until 2158. So, standing together to say ‘enough’ to violence and abuse is as important now as it was over a hundred years ago.”
The Wiltshire EVAWG Coalition is an independent group comprising members of the public, experts from the judiciary, police, education, representatives from domestic abuse organisations, and business leaders. It is chaired by Lady Lansdowne, who added: “I truly believe that through collaboration, we will make a difference faster and the WI are terrific supporters of our work to make Wiltshire safer. For far too long, victims have carried the weight of someone else’s crime and so we need to get domestic abuse on everyone’s agenda and, with the EVAWG Coalition working with so many good people in the sector, we’re starting to see real change.”
Nicky Alberry, Chair of SWA and Vice Chair of Wiltshire EVAWG Coalition, thanked the Ambassadors for their commitment to helping end domestic abuse.
“WI members are making a huge difference. With over 30 already trained and more to come, we’re building a county-wide network of women who will listen, support, and raise awareness. Together, with the WI and other partners, we are strengthening community relationships and changing attitudes. This is how real cultural change begins.”
Jane Edwards, General Manager at Willowbrook View, was proud to support such a worthy cause: “We feel truly honoured to host such a landmark celebration with the Wiltshire WI and their partners. With so many wonderful ladies living and working under our roof, it is only right that the team stands in solidarity with women who desperately need help and support. The WI and its partners are on the frontlines of that struggle – so here’s to another 110 years of incredible work!”
To find out more about SWA and the Ambassador programme, visit www.societywithoutabuse.org.uk
Article from Vox PR and Marketing
