MyCWA funding shortages could have catastrophic consequences

MyCWA CEO, Saskia Lightburn-Ritchie, speaks to ITV Granada Reports about her fears for the future.

MyCWA funding shortages could have catastrophic consequences

ITV Granada Reports has shared a report on a growing crisis facing our charity. For almost 50 years, we’ve helped adults and children in Cheshire impacted by domestic abuse, and we now stand a critical crossroads in our journey.

Our charity serves as a lifeline to thousands each year, through services including a 24-hour helpline, refuge accommodation, recovery programmes, behavioural change programmes and many more. Yet as the number of people coming to us for help reaches unprecedented levels, we are faced with a daunting reality: we've already experienced a crippling 25% funding cut, with the looming threat of further cuts in the coming months.

This is not just cause for concern; it is a potentially catastrophic situation.

Our CEO, Saskia Lightburn-Ritchie, brings this home with stark clarity: "The level of demand for our services is nothing like I've ever known and I've been in this field for over 30 years. I'm genuinely fearful of what further cuts to our services will mean for those in need. We will see people dying by suicide, we'll see people seriously harmed. It's terrifying."

We're immensely grateful to ITV and journalist Emma Sweeney for shining a light on our work, as illustrated by Katie's* story, who bravely escaped an emotionally abusive relationship. Her powerful words, "This charity literally saved my life," are a testament to the impact of our services.

*Name changed

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