The funding will enable us to purchase and refurbish our current refuge, which offers 13 flats for women who have escaped modern-day slavery. We will also build a multi-purpose extension which will enable us to offer more therapeutic work and group activities to help women rebuild their lives. The new space can be used as an emergency reception centre for women rescued from slavery.

Sara Ward, BCWA’s Chief Executive, comments:

“We have been overwhelmed with the funding secured through the Heart of England Foundation and are keen to get working with our partners on the development. This fund gives us a once in a life time opportunity to better support and coordinate the rescue of victims of modern slavery.”

BCWA is one of three charities that Heart of England Community Foundation has chosen to support in its Building Better Lives programme. Building Better Lives is a major capital build programme, which will see over £3m granted to a trio of causes across the West Midlands focused on housing vulnerable people.

Tina Costello, Chief Executive at Heart of England Community Foundation, comments:

“The work of Black Country Women’s Aid is relieving the pressures felt by those feeling the pinch of the housing crisis most. Being able to support them with our largest grant ever is something that both I and the Heart of England team are immensely proud of, and we look forward to seeing the immensely positive impact that this project has.”

For more information about Building Better Lives, as well as the other projects that Heart of England Community Foundation supports, head to www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk.