Domestic abuse victims in Ross-shire offered helping hand with 'starter pack' support

WOMEN who have fled abusive partners in Ross-shire are to be offered a helping hand to get back on their feet thanks to a new partnership between two groups.

Ross-shire Women’s Aid (RWA) has hooked up with the Scottish Churches Housing Action (SCHA), a partnership between the main Christian denominations and organisations in Scotland with a vision of a Scotland free of homelessness.

The two-year project will support and encourage local churches to establish and sustain a starter pack scheme to support women who move on to their own tenancy.

Adele Newlands, RWA general manager, said: "Often women fleeing a domestic abusive relationship are left with no belongings. For us to be able to provide starter packs for women and children upon gaining new accommodation will provide a great start to their new path.

"We often forget the everyday basics that come at a cost such as your cup of coffee in the morning, cutlery and crockery, having a duvet cover and pillow on your bed and clean towels to simple toiletries such as a toothbrush and toothpaste. For us to be able to provide these packs to women and their families will mean so much, and the help from the churches to do this is greatly appreciated."

She said: "We believe that rural communities working together can do so much more and we look forward to seeing the difference the partnership makes to women and their families leaving refuge and getting back on their feet again after domestic abuse.”

Heather Zajac, SCHA development manager said: "This is a great example of partnership working, bringing the churches and services together to support the needs of women and families fleeing domestic violence. We aim to provide a local starter pack service supported by the local community and churches."

Ross-shire Women's Aid can be contacted in Dingwall on 01349 863 568 and in Skye and Lochalsh at 01478 613 365.

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