Hutton & Howick Womens Institute have donated £500 to Clare House Womens Refuge in South Ribble.  The safe accommodation scheme is managed by local charity Key Unlocking Futures. The WI committee have asked that the money be used to purchase something for the house which can be used over a period of time and so it was decided, after consultation with families at Clare House, that they would purchase a smart TV for the home.

Claire Moxham, Domestic Abuse Services Manager at Key, who gratefully accepted the donation said, ' I'd like to thank Vivienne and Judy and everyone at the Hutton & Howick Womens Institute for their generous donation for Clare House.  The TV will be used for years to come and will benefit many families who stay here over time. The TV can be used for social use, exercise and education purposes'.

Key manages schemes in South Ribble and Chorley for women and children experiencing domestic abuse and operates a domestic abuse outreach service for people in the community regardless of gender. For anyone needing help with domestic abuse support Domestic Abuse Support - Key Unlocking Futures

Judy Beeston Secretary for the Hutton & Howick WI said, 'As a women’s organisation the WI members join together in mutual support and friendship.  We also like to offer support to women in need.  The WI as a national organisation is leading a major campaign to stop violence towards women. We must do our bit to support those women and families seeking sanctuary and so supporting Clare House is close to our hearts. The money has been raised through talks about 'Edith Rigby', Preston's most famous suffragette.  A woman who dedicated her life to improve conditions for all women'

During November each year, Key supports the 16 days of action through the White Ribbon UK appeal engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls. White Ribbon UK. White Ribbon Day is 25th November.

From left to right on the photograph, Samantha Haslam, Chair of Key's Domestic Abuse Committee, Claire Moxham, Key's DA Services Manager, Vivienne Hastewell, Hutton & Howick WI President, Judy Beeston, Hutton & Howick WI Secretary, Lisa, Refuge Support Worker, Ursula Patten, Key's Director, Penny Fell, Key's Chair.