Colleagues at the West Brom Building Society, the region’s largest building society have chosen to raise funds for Black Country Women’s Aid over the next 12 months.

Donations will be used to enhance our services for women, men and children throughout the West Midlands.

Founded 30 years ago, Black Country Women’s Aid helps more than 8,000 people every year to escape from violence, cope with trauma and rebuild their lives.

We offer refuge and community support for victims of domestic and sexual abuse, provide specialist counselling, work with children and young people who have suffered abuse and assist victims of modern slavery and international human trafficking.

BCWA Chief Executive Sara Ward said:

“Abuse comes in many forms and affects people of all ages and from all walks of life. Women are most commonly targeted; in fact one in four women in the UK will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.

“We believe that no-one should have to live in fear of violence and abuse and we work tirelessly to ensure that victims get the best support possible. There is huge demand for our services, which is why we are delighted the West Brom has pledged fundraising assistance for the next year.

“Together we can offer a message of hope, that we are able to help individuals affected by abuse, both practically and emotionally, and that they don’t have to suffer in silence.”

The West Brom invites colleagues once a year to nominate and select a charity they would like to collectively fundraise for. Previous partners have included Acorns Children’s Hospice, Teenage Cancer Trust and, most recently, the Kaleidoscope Plus Group, which received almost £30,000.

Group Finance and Operations Director Ashraf Piranie said:

“Supporting the community is integral to the West Brom and this comes across in the commitment and compassion shown by our people in raising money for our chosen charities.

“This year we are proud to support Black Country Women’s Aid and its provision of essential services to those whose lives have been blighted by abuse.”

The West Brom is a leading provider of financial services, including mortgages, savings and investments. The Society has 37 branches across the Black Country, Birmingham, Shropshire and mid-Wales and employs around 740 people.

You can find out more about the West Brom at their website.