Manchester Women’s Aid marks 50 years with empowering fundraising appeal

Domestic abuse is still a huge issue and one we can’t afford to ignore. According to data from the Office for National Statistics, 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.

When most people hear about domestic abuse, they think about adults. But unfortunately the children of those adults are victims too. 

Manchester Women’s Aid is a charity for women and children who suffer from domestic abuse. 

It all started in 1972 when Angela Cooper (pictured on the left) found an empty building which they squatted for two weeks, before it was purchased for them and from which they ran a help line and other services. In 1974 the refuge was formally recognised by the local authorities. 50 years later, alongside this original building, MWA has four other refuges and a number of properties as part of a service that includes community-based therapeutic intervention work.

53% of the adults that use its services have at least one child. 

Part of the The Pankhurst Trust, Manchester Women’s Aid believes that every child deserves the opportunity to live a life free from fear and be able to thrive. 

That’s why it is marking its 50th anniversary with a year of activities and events to raise funds for child survivors of domestic abuse. 

This fundraising is hugely important to help those children live a more joyful life, free of fear.

The charity aims to raise £120,000 within the next 12 months to provide play, therapy sessions, indoor and outdoor activities that will help them smile again.  

The campaign will be kick started with the sale of Rebel t-shirts designed by renowned Manchester artist, Justin Eagleton. 

The eye-catching, brightly coloured, mixed-media, digital portrait of Emmeline Pankhurst features many archival newspaper prints from the 1900s as a background. This image is layered with stunning cascades of flowers that pick out colours of the suffragette movement.  

Emmeline Pankhurst was chosen for the image as she is closely aligned with MWA. The charity, which supports survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, has its headquarters at the Pankhurst Centre, the birthplace of the suffragette movement and the former home of Emmeline Pankhurst, whose legacy of activism continues to this day in the fight to end domestic abuse. 

The funds which will be raised will go towards making new family memories with days out, experiences and toys, plus tutoring, therapy sessions and the chance to work with the artist Katie McKeever. 

Legendary Manchester singer Rowetta is an ambassador for Manchester Women’s Aid. She says: “My experiences of domestic abuse are well known, which is why I give my support to Manchester Women’s Aid and the amazing work that it does by wearing my Rebel t-shirt with pride. 

“Buying a t-shirt or making even just a small donation will make a positive impact to the experiences that MWA can give children who are away from their familiar environment, family and friends.”  

The sale of the Rebel t-shirt is just the beginning of a 12 month campaign that will include holding a summer crowdfunder to specifically support children’s outdoor play areas. There is also an awards event that will take place in January 2025.

Gail Heath, CEO of Manchester Women’s Aid, said “Some of the children we help have had to move home; perhaps to live in a refuge; they have had to leave everything behind; family and even their abuser who they continue to love despite everything. They are unable to tell anyone where they live and are unable to invite friends home to play. They need our attention and to know how to live like a joyful happy child.

“This is why it’s so important we achieve our fundraising goal.”

T-shirts are available here and cost £24.99 with £3.50 p+p. T-shirts are available in black and white and in unisex or female fit.

To donate to the 50th anniversary campaign click here

Join in the conversation on social media #MWA50