Member Article

Horgan gifts bags of wellbeing to refuge charity

Award-winning Midlands housebuilder Horgan Homes has made a special delivery to help those seeking refuge from domestic abuse, sexual violence and modern slavery this Christmas.

The Bromsgrove company has donated dozens of wellbeing bags, containing items including toiletries, essentials and gift vouchers, to Black Country Women’s Aid, which supports women, children and men who are victims of abuse and interpersonal violence

Director Sophie Horgan said: “Black Country Women’s Aid is an amazing charity which makes a huge difference to the lives of so many people in crisis. It received 13,000 referrals last year, including women, children and men fleeing sexual and domestic violence, victims of stalking and modern slavery as well as women leaving prison who might only have the clothes they are wearing to call their own.

“We feel very strongly that we should support our local communities. We’re hoping these wellbeing bags will go a small way in supporting people who are going through an extremely difficult period in their lives.

“Black Country Women’s Aid offers a huge amount of support year-round, both to women and to men through their dedicated men’s and boys’ service. It is a charity I am delighted we can support in this way.”

Black Country Women’s Aid (BCWA) was established more than 30 years ago and provides integrated support services for abuse victims from across Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton to help them to recover from trauma and start new lives.

It uses a ‘one front door’ approach, helping clients access all the help they need from just one referral, and offers support through safety planning, accommodation, counselling, advocacy, navigating the criminal justice system, focusing on health and wellbeing, rebuilding healthy relationships and accessing benefits, employment, education and training opportunities.

Sara Ward, CEO of Black Country Women’s Aid said “We take so much for granted, the wellbeing bags return dignity and self-respect to victims of abuse; the first thing victims coming into refuge want is a hot warm bath to feel clean and fresh.

“Horgan Homes have donated some gift vouchers too. These are really important because it means a client can make choices about how they need to spend the money. This could be essentials but also a treat such as a film at the local cinema for the children also impacted by leaving everything behind.

“We are really pleased Horgan Homes have also donated funds for teenagers as younger children are often already thought of. They will be struggling with their own emotions and might feel the choices have been taken away from them. To be able to give them a gift voucher builds trust and confidence.

“Horgan Homes and wider community support put the icing on the cake with their generosity. Their contribution will send messages that they stand firm challenging violence against women, children and men. We stand stronger together.”

Horgan Homes is based in Bromsgrove and is committed to supporting the communities of the West Midlands. Its previous projects include helping a primary school in Clent to improve its outdoor areas and a large donation to Birmingham Children’s Hospital

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Melanie Boulter .