Wearside Women in Need

WWIN receives enormous help and support from members of the community, local businesses and organisations. We're grateful for this help, especially at times like Christmas when we have hundreds of families to support.

"What kinds of donations do you need?"

We always welcome donations of women's, men's and children's clothing. We run a clothing store at our community drop-in at Speculation Place, Concord. It's used by a wide range of groups, such as homeless young people.

Donations of furniture and household goods are always very useful. Women and their families moving from our refuges into new homes are often starting again from scratch. It's an exciting time but can also be a difficult one - finding beds and tables and chairs. Unfortunately, as we don't have storage facilities there will be times when we can't accept all large donations. If that's the case, we'll help you to find another home for the furniture.

Tinned goods come in handy, especially at Christmas time for hampers. Why not organise a collection at your workplace, community group or amongst friends and family?

We hold an annual Christmas appeal for children's toys. We support hundreds of families across Wearside every Christmas.

Give us a ring at our Head Office and we'll be able to help. Tel: (0191) 4163550

 "I'd like to make a financial contribution to WWIN. How do I go about it?"

We're always delighted to receive donations from individuals and groups. It allows us to organise trips out for the children living in our refuges, such as a day out at the beach or new toys for the refuge playrooms.

If you'd like to make a regular donation by standing order, contact our Finance Worker and she'll send a form out to you. We'll also ask you to allow us to claim the tax back on your donation through Gift Aid if you're a taxpayer. This means your donation will be worth more - at no extra cost to you.

Regular donations allow us to plan activities for the year. Tel: (0191) 4163550

"I think there should be more help available for women and children experiencing domestic violence."

So do we. We've come a long way, but we know there is a lot more than needs to be done. Last year alone, WWIN had to turn away 887 women and their 629 children who needed refuge accommodation because we were full.

Why not write to your local councillor or MP and tell them that you think more should be done to help victims of domestic violence?

You can find details for your local MP by entering your postcode here:

http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/l/

If you live in Washington, Sunderland or the Coalfields, you can find your local councillor's details at http://www.sunderland.gov.uk or by ringing Sunderland City Council on (0191) 5205555.