Photo caption: From l to r, Lisa Forbes, Play Therapist; Catherine Chima-Okereke, Trustee; Gill Corp, Inclusion IDVA; Helen Richardson, County Manager, Herefordshire;
Lisa Peplow, IDVA Service Manager; Nikki Griffiths, Chair (Board of Trustees); Sue Coleman, Chief Executive and Sally Langston, Communications Manager

Last month we were excited to hold our first face-to-face WMWA conference in over two years!

Read our press release below to find out more…

PRESS RELEASE

Ref : WMWA/CONF
Date : 11 July, 2022

Charity conference celebrates 40th anniversary

As part of its 40th anniversary year, a domestic abuse charity recently held a summer conference.

West Mercia Women’s Aid held the event at Bishop’s Frome Village Centre in Herefordshire on Wednesday 22 June.

The charity holds conferences quarterly for its colleagues although this was the first face-to-face event in more than 2 years; during that time the organisation has grown considerably.

The event welcomed all colleagues and trustees, totalling around 50 people present on the day.

Nikki Griffiths, Chair of the Board of Trustees explained: “We are so proud that 2022 is our 40th anniversary of supporting survivors of domestic abuse. This, combined with our first in person conference for more than 2 years, is something we are justifiably proud of. We used the day to reflect on our history, discuss both current and future priorities and acknowledge our anniversary as a team. Importantly, it also offered us the opportunity to meet new colleagues and to inform, support and inspire each other about our invaluable work.”

The format of the day included presentations as well as break out groups and workshops.

The day also acknowledged and recognised the charity’s fundraising stars and supporters; recent fundraising activities have included a 130 mile cycle from the Halesowen Heroes, two half marathons and a 40 length swim. One colleague is undertaking a sponsored 15mile walk in The Peak District later this month.

Nikki concluded: “Our summer conference was a great opportunity to acknowledge our 40 years and all that we have achieved; we also spent time discussing our future aims and objectives, including continuing to reach out to communities such as LGBTQ+, Black, Asian & ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, travelling communities as well as those who live in rural areas. Inclusivity, equality and diversity are areas which we will be focusing on going forward.”

West Mercia Women’s Aid works throughout Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.

The 24 hour helpline numbers are:

0800 783 1359 (Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin)
0800 980 3331 (Worcestershire)
0800 014 9082 (Men’s Helpline)

For further information call West Mercia Women’s Aid on 01432 356146.

Ends

For media comment please contact Sue Coleman, Chief Executive, West Mercia Women’s Aid on 01432 356 146