The Women’s Centre Cornwall has launched a ‘Become A Friend’ scheme to raise funds for its vital work providing specialist support to women and girls living with the impact of sexual and domestic abuse and violence. 

The scheme was launched by Lady Falmouth at Tregothanan Estate, in the presence of more than 70 of Cornwall’s most prominent and influential women.  

The new scheme will build on the charity’s community of allies and through regular donations help raise funds for vital work.  

To become a friend, the minimum annual donation starts at £52 or from £5 for monthly donations. All money received through the Friends scheme will go directly to supporting women. 

Run by women, for women since 1996, the centre provides specialist support for women and girls aged 11+, including one-to-one and peer support and specific services for women facing multiple disadvantages such as homelessness and discrimination.  

In the last year alone in Cornwall, around 5,900 women were raped or sexually assaulted, and 14,700 women experienced domestic abuse. 

The Women’s Centre Cornwall provides life-changing services to over 1,000 women a year through a wide range of projects and services across Cornwall and beyond. 

“The Women’s Centre Cornwall comprises a team of remarkable women who do such important and valuable work to improve the lives of women and girls,” said Lady Falmouth.   

“By becoming a friend of the centre, we are not only supporting those who have been impacted, but we are helping to make Cornwall a safer and better place. I hope as many people as possible will do so; collectively, we can all make a difference to those that most need it.”  

Jackie May, chief executive of The Women’s Centre Cornwall added: “Women affected by abuse are at increased risk of suicide and self-harm. In very simple terms, we regularly save women’s lives.  

“But that’s not where our job stops. We can’t take away the abuse, but with our help and support the vast majority of women coming through our service radically improve their lives and the lives of their children.  

“We are looking for people to become Friends of the Women’s Centre Cornwall to give us a predictable income we can rely on and direct where it is most needed.”  

To sign up, visit womenscentrecornwall.org.uk/donate-and-fundraise