WightDASH, a domestic abuse support charity for women, is to close this Autumn after more than 30 years.
For the last 32 years, WightDASH has existed to give information and support to women and their children who are living with or have lived with disadvantage, including domestic abuse.
It is an organisation that addresses the difficulties that domestic abuse, adverse childhood experiences, risk of homelessness, poor mental health, substance misuse, loneliness, and isolation cause to women on the Isle of Wight.
They have been operating on the Isle of Wight for over 3 decades but will have to stop all services and close the doors – to its Women’s Centre on St James’ Street in Newport this Autumn after struggling to secure funding – an issue that has unfortunately persistently plagued the organisation.
In a video on the WightDASH Facebook page, Chief Executive Fiona Gwinnett, said Trustees on the board made the ‘difficult decision’ just recently.
Speaking in that video, Fiona said:
“I know this will come as a shock and be deeply upsetting to many.
“All I can say is we will do all we can in the time that remains to continue to provide to those with whom we are currently working.”
Article continues below this advertisement “I am really sorry to be the bearer of such bad news, please do take care.”
A spokesperson for the WightDASH Trustee Board has said:
“After 32 years of offering specialised support primarily to women and children, this Island Charity is unable to continue with its valuable work due to a lack of funding in this testing economic climate.”
Sessions will be still he held in the centre up until the closure in September and the Journey Back to Me Course will continue also. Those with a key worker will be contacted.
Anyone who feels as if they need to use the services of WightDASH should call the helpline number: 01983 825981. All services will stop on Saturday 30th September.
Heartbreaking… and so much ‘charity’ monies go to UKSA, Ellen Macarthur etc and other sailing rubbish…. Priorities people!!
Oh my god we really need this on the Island with such a lot of low life abusers, what a shame. We are told that the police are going to step up their processing on attacks on women, which I’d like to see before I believe. Makes no sense at all, surely there is some way of keeping this open and funded.