Cheshire domestic abuse charity win prestigious Family Award
Cheshire Without Abuse (My CWA), the Crewe-based domestic abuse charity, have won the prestigious Family Award at this year’s Centre for Social Justice Award ceremony.
The £10,000 Award is sponsored by the Masonic Charitable Foundation, the Freemasons’ charity.
The Award was presented by England Rugby star Courtney Lawes, who described My CWA as: “an amazing charity – watch the impact they have on people’s lives.”
Founded in 1977, My CWA helped more than 1500 people caught in abusive relationships last year alone. This included more than 800 women, 600 children, but also some perpetrators of violence. My CWA is open to anyone in need of help, irrespective of gender or sexual orientation.
Running 16 refuges across east Cheshire which even before the pandemic struck ,were always full, the team has sadly seen a significant rise in need by families they help. The situation has got noticeably worse. The charity has witnessed a rise in abuse cases of 40 per cent since the end of April, with no sign of that figure falling since. They have responded by opening a further four refuges.
The grant from the Masonic Charitable Foundation is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.
Saskia Lightburn-Ritchie, Chief Executive of Cheshire Without Abuse, said:
“I’m delighted we’ve won this prestigious CSJ Family Award and I’m very grateful to the Freemasons for their generous sponsorship. Sadly abuse within families has grown significantly since the lockdown began and demand for our service is at an all-time high. The £10,000 prize money will help support our Survivor Groups, which are at the heart of our work.”
Les Hutchinson, Chief Executive of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, said:
“Cheshire Without Abuse are very worthy winners of this Award. They do hugely important work with those who suffer from violence in the home and those who are responsible for it. Last year alone they worked with more than 1500 people desperately in need of help. It’s no exaggeration to say that they save lives on a regular basis.”
My CWA works hard in its partnerships and not least their one with Cheshire East Council.
Executive Director of People, Mark Palethorpe, said:
“This award win is so well deserved, and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team at My CWA. Since the partnership was formed in April last year they have continued to work tirelessly help tackle domestic abuse in our borough, and also to help the families of survivors. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic supporting survivors of domestic abuse, and helping to prevent it, has never been more important, and the team has really made a difference to so many lives.
“ I am delighted that My CWA has received recognition in the form of this award, and would implore anyone to contact the service if they are experiencing domestic abuse, or know of anyone who is.”
Kate Rose Head of Service Safeguarding Children and Families, Cheshire East Council, is equally pleased and commented;
‘It’s another wonderful achievement and an example of partnership working changing lives.’
You can see the presentation of the award here.