MyCWA faces closure after funding cuts. Urgent appeal launched to save vital abuse support services in Cheshire.
MyCWA’s crucial services are at risk. They need to find other funding sources fast. Services in danger include a 24/7 helpline. They offer refuge for families with pets. Trauma recovery exists for kids; they provide survivor groups and one-on-one help.
This charity assists many across the area. Now, MyCWA urgently needs funds to keep doing their job. MyCWA’s chief executive is very worried. She said this funding loss is devastating, and the impact will be felt for many years.
MyCWA helps abuse survivors recover and keep people safe. The charity also helps break abuse cycles. A woman just started attending survivor groups and learned the group might vanish and will not be around after early next year.
One woman said she needs this service. She has attended for three years now. It is her family and support network. MyCWA aids people in court cases, something council staff cannot fully do because their caseload is far too high already.
The council says abuse victims matter greatly. They claim existing services are robust. They mentioned their own services and partnerships with other groups. MyCWA thinks many women won’t use council services.
Last year, they helped thousands of people, many of whom use the center yearly. A high percentage won’t use council help because they distrust children’s social care, and abusers threaten to involve social care. This stops victims from reporting abuse.
People trust MyCWA more than police. They like MyCWA’s approach to care. MyCWA works with people, not against them. The charity has low staff turnover, so survivors see familiar faces there and they do not have high sickness rates.
The local authority struggles with staff turnover. You likely see someone who helped you before. MyCWA never turns anyone away. People return as often as needed. The Crewe center is warm and safe, helping those at risk of abuse, including children.
If MyCWA closes, many will suffer. The homeless get food and warmth there, and abuse survivors receive critical support. MyCWA has helped for nearly fifty years, assisting those who need help. Losing it will affect people a long time. MyCWA is currently raising funds and hopes to continue their services.