Dumbarton District Women's Aid receives £1,800 donation

Miller Homes is supporting Dumbarton District Women's Aid by donating over than £1,800 to help the organisation support women and children who have experienced or are at risk of domestic abuse.

Liz Gillespie, co-ordinator at Dumbarton District Women's Aid, was joined by Miller Homes' Sales Director Scotland West, Louise Caldwell, at the centre in Balloch to receive the donation and Christmas gifts donated by Miller Homes staff for the women and children in their care to open on Christmas Day.

The charity has supported over 290 families and 156 children this year alone.

With demand for the services at an all-time high, only 30 per cent of requests received for refuge able to be satisfied, resulting in referrals to local Homeless services where Women’s Aid can provide outreach support.

Liz Gillespie said: "We're extremely thankful for the support from Louise and the rest of her team. Sadly, we have seen a significant increase in demand for our services in recent years. Covid-19 has exacerbated the situation even further with an increase of 60% in referrals. The fundraising efforts and donations will help us support women and children in the area who need our help."

A new Scottish Government report shows there were 168 incidents of domestic abuse recorded in the region by the police per 10,000 people in 2020/21 – well above the national average of 119.

Despite multi-agency efforts to tackle the issue, Dumbarton District Women’s Aid has seen a stark rise in the number of women desperately seeking help and they say the figures keep on rising.

Louise Caldwell, Miller Homes' Sales Director Scotland West, added: "We're honoured to be raising funds for Dumbarton District Women's Aid this Christmas. It is important to help support the communities in which we are building, and we hope our efforts will help Liz and her volunteers deliver this essential service."

For further information on Dumbarton District Women's Aid, visit ddwa.org.uk.