Film shows 30 years work of Women's Aid

1:00am Wednesday 16th January 2008

FROM a three bedroom house in Laindon to accommodation for nearly 30 families and an advice centre - Basildon Women's Aid has come a long way in 30 years.

During this time it has helped more than 8,000 women and children fleeing violence in the home.

Now the group has marked its pearl anniversary by producing a film looking at how the charity has helped women since it was set up.

Senior family support worker Bridget Marsh said: "Many women we have helped over the years came back on board and worked with us to make a film.

"I was shocked at how powerless women were 30 years ago when you look at the choices women have today."

The centre was founded in 1977 after a woman approached the council asking if it would be possible to set up a refuge.

She was told Basildon was a new town and did not have a problem with domestic violence.

However, when a centre was set up by a group of local women it helped 74 women and 118 children in its first year.

The importance of the work the charity has been doing since, was recognised last November when representatives were invited to Downing Street to meet the prime minister's wife Sarah Brown, who is national patron of Women's Aid.

Service development manager Pamela Young, one of eight members of staff who went on the visit, said: "Sarah Brown was very knowledgeable about the issues and we had a good discussion."

Anyone seeking advice can call 01268 521666 or 01268 581591.