Delivering Impact Beyond Business

Representatives from AEC were delighted to visit Manchester Women’s Aid (MWA) this week to present a donation of £2,000 in support of the charity’s vital work.

The cheque was received by Ashleigh Saville and Eden Southall-Martin at MWA, who took time out of their busy schedules to share insights into the organisation’s work and the challenges they face.

Each year, MWA supports more than 2,500 survivors of domestic abuse. The charity works with individuals who either self-refer or are referred through partner organisations such as social services and healthcare providers. Their approach is tailored to each person, recognising that every situation is unique and often complex.

Ashleigh highlighted the increasing demand for intensive, specialist support and the financial pressures this brings:

“The scale of need and demand for intensive support can be challenging for us, and our refuge service is expensive to run. It costs approximately £40 per person, per night for a room in the refuge. We rely on funding from the local authority and a wider network, which can sometimes be uncertain.”

The donation from AEC will contribute directly towards these essential running costs. In addition to accommodation, MWA must also fund a range of specialist services, including translation, legal advice, immigration support, and ongoing housing assistance.

The charity is also developing a new project focused on tracking trends in local authority child removals. This initiative aims to provide extended support for mothers who have experienced the trauma of having a child removed from their care.

There are many ways to support the life-saving work of Manchester Women’s Aid. Donations —whether one-off or regular —can make a meaningful difference. The charity also welcomes contributions of essential items for families in refuges and the wider community, including toys, games, baby clothes, nappies, and non-perishable food.

To find out more or to get involved, please visit the Manchester Women’s Aid website.