Shotton based Domestic Abuse Safety Unit receives £15,995 energy efficiency funding

A Deeside charity has secured a slice of £1.24m in extra Welsh Government funding for domestic violence projects across Wales.

The Domestic Abuse Safety Unit in Shotton has received £15,995 to help it cut its running costs by installing solar panels and an energy efficient lighting system.

Long-time DASU supporter Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, said:

“The centre provides such a valuable service for domestic abuse victims, with limited funding.

“It is so typical of the centre’s hard-working and dedicated team to try to do everything it can to make that funding stretch further, while helping our environment to boot.

“I’m very happy that the Welsh Labour Government has awarded them this grant, which in the long run will significantly lower their operating costs. The savings can then be spent on services for those that so desperately need help.”

DASU’s Gina Edwards added:

“We are delighted that the Welsh Government has awarded us a grant to help us reduce running costs for the Flintshire Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop, we are grateful for their support.

“Providing the best possible support to our clients is at the heart of all we do and we are always focussed on how to improve the services we offer. Behaving responsibly with the funding we receive is part of the good management we practice here at DASU.”

Flintshire-based Clwyd Alyn Housing Association Women’s Aid received £23,450 to make improvements to its refuge to improve accessibility.

Other awards in North Wales included £115,000 to renovate and refurbish the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in North Wales and £17,000 for the Caernarfon-based Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre to establish two outreach centres in Holyhead and Colwyn Bay. The North Wales Women’s Centre in Rhyl receives £175,000 for repairs and refurbishment to correct damage caused by 2013’s bad weather.

Public Services Minister Leighton Andrews said:

“The Welsh Government is determined to do all it can to help victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence and ensure they are supported to live safely in their communities.

“Many organisations are providing valuable services to victims and survivors. This funding will help them improve their facilities and build their capacity to provide timely and high quality support.

“It will also help ensure the effective implementation of the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act, which received Royal Assent in May.”