Bath charities Voices & Southside need cash. MP Wera Hobhouse is trying to get government funding to ensure they stay open.
She said charities in Bath need money. Voices and Southside Project are very important and help survivors in the area quite a bit. Hobhouse said they can’t work without funding, and this funding needs to exist for a long time period.
Hobhouse said these charities empower survivors and stated we should be proud of them. Survivors need a place they can be heard and someone fighting for them as well. The government must help ensure charities can continue helping without the money.
Bridget Phillipson is the minister for women. She said the government is investing already and will think about Hobhouse’s idea. It will be considered as part of a strategy that addresses violence against women.
Voices’ CEO, Kirsten Melbourne, spoke up, saying survivors’ recovery takes time. They need help even after leaving abusers, and early help is key to prevent future harm. Safe futures require time, understanding, and proper funding to work.
Southside’s CEO, Penny McKissock MBE, agreed saying money problems threaten services. Abuse services are lifelines that provide help and support. They assist survivors in rebuilding lives.
These services are often underfunded, and short-term contracts make things risky. They need sustainable, long-term funding. This will ensure support for victims and survivors who need the support now and later.
Ella is a survivor who Voices supported. She said Voices was the first place she felt heard, which was extremely meaningful. She said she now lives an awesome life, and Voices answered her call when she had nowhere to turn.
Hobhouse has worked to stop violence and helped pass two laws that address voyeurism and harassment. She advocates for women and girls strongly and stresses the need for financial help. This will aid abuse survivors receive support.