Supporting Women’s Aid ABCLN
At our recent Connor Diocesan Mother’s Union Autumn Council meeting in St Patrick’s Parish Church, Ballymena we were delighted to have representatives from Womens’ Aid ABCLN along to talk to those present about their vital work.
Womens’ Aid ABCLN covers the Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey area. As supporters of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence campaign, it is vitally important that our members hear first-hand about the work of Womens’ Aid within our communities.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the instances of domestic abuse have risen sharply. Many Branches within our Diocese already help their local Womens’ Aid refuge with donations of toilet bags, bedding and clothes. When it became evident that due to the pandemic the Diocese could not operate their AFIA (Away From It All) project the Diocesan Trustees and Executive committee decided to reimagine AFIA and the outcome was to support Women’s Aid ABCLN with fuel vouchers.
The Diocese has provided two very generous donations of fuel vouchers for local families at this critical time. Sadly with rising fuel costs and the colder weather, many families are going to find it difficult to heat their homes this winter. It is hoped that our practical support to Womens’ Aid ABCLN will help ease that burden for some of them.
