Grants to charities
Domestic abuse charity, Refuge, receives £200,000 from Freemasons
Refuge is supporting thousands of women who are experiencing domestic abuse through their 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, thanks to a grant of £200,000 from Freemasons.
Natasha Saunders, a survivor of domestic abuse, got in touch to give a message of thanks to the MCF and Freemasons for the impact they have made on thousands of women across England and Wales.
The £200,000 grant will support the Helpline, which is at the heart of a strategic and coordinated response to domestic abuse. The service is run 24 hours, seven days a week by Refuge and delivered by a team of specialist staff and trained volunteers.
More than one in four women in England and Wales experiences domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime, and two women a week are killed by a current or former partner.
Refuge aims to reduce the harm caused by providing callers with information about their rights and options, as well as supporting them to leave their abusers safely if and when they are ready.
The Helpline team provides a confidential and non-judgmental service, which supports women in both heterosexual and same sex relationships. They deliver emotional and practical help to women as they begin rebuilding their lives following abuse.
The Masonic Charitable Foundation is proud to partner with refuge on behalf of Freemasonry, to help tackle this national crisis.
We’re very grateful to the Freemasons for their generous grant, which is needed now more than ever. Our message to women across the country is clear. You are not alone. We will listen, we will believe you, and we can support you to plan your next steps. We are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
I’m delighted we’ve been able to support Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which does a hugely important job being there for the one in four women who experience domestic abuse. Whether it’s providing practical information or emotional support, the Helpline is a lifeline for many thousands of women every year and I’m very proud that Freemasons are supporting this essential service.
Get support
Women experiencing domestic abuse, as well as friends, family and professionals supporting them can contact Refuge’s expert team on their freephone number, via their secure webform email and through their online live chat.
Women who use British Sign Language can also receive support via video calls with qualified interpreters.
The Helpline records over 13,000 calls and contacts on its database per month.
Women can also find information and support on Refuges’ Helpline website nationaldahelpline.org.uk.
