Huge thank you to Kevin Brushett who ran the Royal Parks half marathon on 7th October 2012, raising a fantastic £271.25 in total for Basildon Women's Aid.
Oliver’ was performed at the Towngate Theatre for 2 nights and raised £1,069 for BWA and La Dance Fantastique. A brilliant & entertaining performance was enjoyed by a packed theatre audience.
Huge thank you to Actz Entertainment Agency and all cast and crew who volunteered their time to put on this fantastic show.
Alesha Dixon attends Basildon Women's Aid training day
The Training Day held on 22nd July on the effects of domestic violence on children & young people used the documentary made by the BBC with Alesha Dixon. The
programme ’Don’t hit my Mum’, an hour long programme featured Alesha’s journey. The unannounced appearance of Alesha at the event held at Ford, Dunton was a fantastic surprise for delegates who commented that the documentary was excellent and that it was brilliant Alesha actually attended
Other comments included:- “What a great idea having Alesha at the Study Day, and of course, the fact that she was available and willing to attend. Her documentary was very good and I have to say, seeing clips and then
discussing certain points was an excellent idea and really made people think - well done once again!!” and “Just to say the conference on Friday was brilliant and Alesha Dixon being there was fantastic, it really showed just how much she cares about families that have suffered domestic abuse and the work that Basildon Women’s Aid does”.
The evaluations also showed that 92% of the attendees thought their overall experience was excellent and 90% thought the training met the stated aims, objectives and outcomes.
Ball raises cash for kids from abusive homes
A charity ball raised more than £20,500 for the children of domestic abuse victims living in Basildon.
The event, hailed a "sparkling success" by organisers, was held at Orsett Hall, in aid of Basildon Women's Aid.
The funds raised will enable children whose mothers have suffered from physical, mental or sexual abuse to go on trips and take part in activities. Lyn Headley, cheif executive officer of Bsasildon Women's Aid, said: "The ball is now in its third year and it just keeps getting better.
"I have an amazingly talented and dedicated team around me, who make sure it is that extrsa bit special.
"Anyone interested can call Abby Knight on 07917003695 or email: abby@abbyknight.co.uk
From the Echo 28th September 2011
The Thorndon Jogglers charity bike ride from John O’Groats to Lands End (JOGLE)
The ‘Thorndon Jogle’ Cycle from John O’Groats to Lands End was successfully completed 22nd June 2011 after an arduous journey through all kinds of weather. The seven cyclists – Nick Wilkinson, Colin Smith, John Hughes, Paul Richardson, Ken Payne, Malcolm Bishton, Mark Starlingand their support team Betty Mansfield, Bob Mansfield and Fran Wilkinson managed to raise over £12,000 for their three charities. Basildon Women’s Aid, Diabetes UK and Fragile X Society are all the lucky recipients of the money raised and this significant amount will make all the difference to our stretched resources for children’s activities this year. We are extremely grateful to all the team.
Best Company in the Community
The Echo Newspaper reported that the judges said:
Basildon Women’s Aid provides a refuge for women and their children who have been victims of domestic violence, which may be physical, mental or sexual.
It was a particularly moving experience for the judges to see the inspiring work taking place at Basildon Women’s Aid and the wonderful programme to encourage women to regain a sense of worth.
The judges were struck by the charity’s commitment to raising awareness in the community and its broad approach to tackling domestic violence at grass roots.
The projects established in schools, to positively influence and educate young people about the need to create healthy relationships and to reject controlling or threatening behaviour, were particularly praiseworthy. The sustained commitment to continue targeting local clubs, groups and family centres, with the offer of talks on domestic violence issues and life in the refuge, and bespoke training initiatives on how to approach and speak to female sufferers requiring help, also makes Basildon Women’s Aid very worthy recipients of this award.
This award will go some way to recognising and raising awareness of the excellent work carried out by Basildon Women’s Aid. Its team should be proud of their achievements and congratulated on their dedication and commitment to tackling domestic abuse.
Basildon Women's Aid
Winners of Best Business in the Community & Highly Commended
Basildon Business Awards 2009
Best business in the community
There is no doubt Basildon Women’s Aid is a caring organisation where all staff show a true passion for their work in the community.They are always at the end of a telephone, to help abused women and children cope with domestic violence.Some are taken into their complex to help rebuild their self-esteem and confidence, in order for them to return to the community.Staff find time in their busy schedule to go out and raise awareness of issues connected with domestic abuse as well as generating financial support.Their training is extensive, and various workshops and open days are held for local businesses, agencies and the police.Special awareness days are held three times a year, attended by up 128 delegates.Staff visit schools to promote an anti bullying campaign.Their involvement with local businesses has led to the redecoration of the centre’s accommodation and the development of a garden project for children, with swings and a climbing frame providing a safe play area.
The community support generated by the centre has seen the Friends of Refuge Kids Appeal organising a charity ball this year to raise funds for the children’s service.Staff are clearly dedicated to the community and provide genuine support.
From the Echo Tuesday 21st July 09
Highly Commended- Staff Training & Development
Basildon Women’s Aid maintains its reputation and standing within the community year after year.The team constantly strives to improve every aspect of its provision, and key to that is staff development and training.
Staff are continually asked for their input in determining their own training requirements as well as attending specific courses.The enthusiasm within the centre is palpable.
The workforce is passionate about the job and embraces training, which addresses the needs of both the individual and client.
The list of courses attended by staff at Basildon Women’s Aid is impressive and diverse.Training has advanced to incorporate courses on subjects which are both topical and practical.In addition to staff training, the centre also presents community domestic violence awareness workshops, offers talks to various groups in the district, and continues to run workshops for Essex Police and Essex magistrates.
Basildon Women’s Aid continues to impress, and it is likely we will see the centre nominated for awards for years to come.
From the Echo Tuesday 21st July 09
Basildon Women's Aid
Winners of Staff Training & Development
2009 Essex Countywide Business Awards
Lyn Headley and her team clearly have staff training and development at the forefront of their minds within the organisation.
The firm presented a compelling case for judgement and at times had to be brought back on track, as it was also able to demonstrate how they train not only their staff but also the community including police, magistrates, health workers and raise awareness of ‘domestic abuse’ in the broadest sense.
The provision for staff training went beyond what would be expected for the various roles in the organisation, into courses that would have a tenuous link to the benefits that would be delivered back to the business. Staff are encouraged to recommend courses that are either available or that can be created to add breadth and depth to their skills for the benefit of the staff and the clients they serve. As mentioned, some of these skills have quite tenuous links to the business. This leap of faith approach is cultural in how Basildon Women’s Aid deals with matters that would have been taboo in previous generations.
Talking directly to the staff, it was apparent that the training and development ethos within Basildon Women’s Aid was open to all staff, and that all staff readily engaged and participated in developing those around them as part of their own development and progression.
The training and development practice was undoubtedly firmly embedded in their organisation and so was a delight to behold.
Basildon Women's Aid Winners of Community Sector Basildon District Business Awards 2008
11th July 2008
Staff and Trustees were delighted to win the Business Award and attended the celebration evening at Towngate, Basildon, where they were presented with the Winners plaque.
The judges said:"Their longevity for more than 30 years has created a strong base to help women in need. They pursue support from local businesses in the form of donations, as well as goods and services which allows them to provide far more than basic aid. The programme in schools to raise awareness of abuse encourages sufferers to gain the support they need so they are less likely to be affected during their adult life."
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