BCU is supporting Birmingham and Solihull Women's Aid this Christmas

Birmingham City University will be raising money for Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid (BSWA) this year as part of its annual Christmas fundraising programme.

All are welcome to join our Christmas Carol Service on 8 December, at the Birmingham Cathedral. Attendance is free, please register >>here<<.

BSWA is one of University’s two chosen charities and the funds we raise will go towards helping to protect women and children affected by violence and abuse.

Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid is a women’s organisation, which for over 40 years has listened to, believed and supported thousands of women and children across Birmingham and Solihull to live free from fear and violence.

2022 has already been incredibly challenging year for charities like BSWA. As we’re heading into an even more challenging time, they worry that the cost of living crisis will mean many businesses and families who usually support them with gifts may not be able to do so. But no matter what they want to ensure they can still support the vulnerable women and children they work with and that every person under their care does find a gift under the Christmas tree.

So any amount will make a difference, here’s what your donation can change:

£5 can pay for a travel pass for a woman to make an appointment with a support worker across the city from her accommodation.

£10 will pay for an overnight kit of toiletries for a woman entering a refuge.

£25 can contribute towards interpreting costs for a woman who doesn’t speak English as a first language.

What is the BSWA’s mission?

- They advocate for the rights of ALL women

- Support women and children affected by domestic violence and abuse

- Educate, train and inspire action

- Campaign for change

What do they do?

- They operate a confidential helpline (0808 800 0028)

- operate a confidential webchat service

- Provide advice and support via the drop-in centres

- provide safe, emergency refuge accommodation

- Offer practical housing support and advice

- provide community outreach support

- Support women dealing with criminal and civil legal proceedings

- provide family support

- deliver training to professionals

- work with young people to raise

I want to help. What else can I do?

- Get creative! The easiest and most impactful way you can help is by doing something fun, engaging and creative to raise the money for BSWA. So run a marathon or host a themed party. Got a super skill like a foreign language or knitting? Organise a special teaching session for your friends and donate together. If you are looking for inspiration or for more information contact fundraising@bswaid.org

- Volunteer – BSWA Community Champions volunteers are helping us to affect change across Birmingham and Solihull and beyond. Register your interest by emailing fundraising@bswaid.org

- Leave a gift in your will - Gifts in wills are very special donations. Please contact Anna Fawcett Fundraising Manager anna.fawcett@bswaid.org to find out more.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.