About North Ayrshire Women’s Aid
North Ayrshire Women’s Aid is a unique specialist service that provides both emotional and practical support to women affected by domestic abuse.
When you’re ready to get in touch, you can call us on 01294 602424 (select option 2). One of our workers will listen to you, help you think about your options, and if necessary, support you to find somewhere safe to stay. Please do not feel embarrassed or ashamed, because you are not alone. All information you share with us is confidential unless we have any concerns about safety and risk.
Outwith office hours you can call the 24-hr national helpline on 0800 027 1234.
A Timeline of North Ayrshire Women’s Aid
- September 1980 – A steering group is formed to establish a Women’s Aid Group in the district of Cunningham. Comprised of a social worker, a health visitor, two solicitors and a children’s panel member, each individual through their work experiences were aware of the problems associated with domestic abuse in all its manifestations.
- 1981 – Saltcoats Area Women’s Aid becomes a constituted group affiliated with Scottish Women’s Aid. The elected steering committee undertook the management and responsibility for selection, training and co-ordination of twenty volunteers.
- 1982 – The first refuge opens.
- 1983 – The group changes its name to Cunningham Women’s Aid.
- 1987 – Cunningham Women’s Aid opens the first purpose-built refuge in Scotland. Funding provision for workers and a children’s worker. The group moved to a larger premises.
- 1989 – Ayrshire’s first Women’s Aid centre opens.
- 1992 – A part-time outreach worker was employed in the Garnock Valley as a supplementary to the refuge there. This was in recognition of the isolation and lack of resources in the area.
- 1993 – The group opened it’s third refuge after a capital was awarded for building costs.
- 2008 – The Pearl Centre opened.
- 2010 – present – In 2011, The Young Voices was formed. They represent the young voices for their certificate of achievement.
