The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Give to Gain’, with a focus on the power of support, reciprocity, and community. To mark this year’s International Women’s Day, we at Ethical Screening have chosen to spotlight three independent charities that provide essential physical and emotional lifelines for women and families across Gloucestershire.
Honour Thy Woman - founded in 2021 by Keasha Kellam, Honour Thy Woman has a mission to empower women in the Gloucestershire community to recover from domestic abuse. The charity provides programmes dedicated to supporting women to create independent and stable lives by providing advocacy, advice, and guidance.
Dedicated services include group work, mental wellbeing, bespoke support within their Family Unit Approach Programme, and a Domestic Abuse Recovery Programme, among other lifesaving support services. Honour Thy Woman welcomes donations and volunteering to support its cause and expand outreach.
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Stroud Women’s Refuge - established in 1977, Stroud Women’s Refuge was formed in response to the pioneering women’s aid work of Erin Pizzey during the 1970s, and functions as a sanctuary service for women and families to recover safely. The charity hosts two refuges with the capacity to provide safe accommodation for up to nine families.
Support services include providing specialist children’s support workers, functioning as a wide-ranging outreach service, and hosting community programmes through courses and workshops. Stroud Women’s Refuge accepts donations, including donations of specific support packages for families in accommodations.
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Night Angels - launched in 2023, Night Angels was founded by Chrissie Lowery on the day Trio nightclub opened for business in Stroud. Volunteers of Night Angels work in teams of four, and patrol local towns while equipped with AED, first aid, anti-spiking products, alarms, period products, clothing, blankets, water, and more. Collaborative work with local night-time economy venues and emergency services ensures that the team are able to efficiently conduct their safeguarding duties. The charity also supports transport for vulnerable people and offers Safe Space locations throughout Gloucestershire.
Safe Spaces consists of community of businesses that provide a safe and secure place for women to go if they are being stalked or feel under threat in any situation. Night Angels takes donations and have an Amazon Wishlist of supplies on their website.
Giving to gain means taking action, whether that’s through volunteering, donating, or simply raising awareness of the organisations supporting women in our community. When we give our time, resources, or voice to uplift women, we strengthen our entire community.