The Privacy Project is a ‘social enterprise’ within North Ayrshire Women’s Aid which aims to support women leaving refuge accommodation to ensure that they can have respect, dignity, and privacy as they rebuild their lives. We aim to restore their privacy by providing funding for window coverings i.e. blinds and curtains to ensure women feel safe and comfortable in her own home.
What will we do?
We will raise funds through selling handmade craft items created by our volunteers and women who attend our “Sew Crafty” craft group each week, this will include jewellery such as earrings and bracelets as well as keyrings.
We aim to sell these items both online and in person, attending local events; community craft fairs and other events where we would already have a Women’s Aid stall for providing help and advice.
Any profit would then be used to help women needing these curtains and blinds.
Why are we doing this?
When women come into NAWA refuge accommodation, they must leave their current home and all its possessions behind. They often leave in a rush with little opportunity to pack their personal belongings. Therefore, the thought of starting over is often a daunting overwhelming thought.
If women do not work and claim benefits, they are entitled to claim for a Community Care Grant.
A Community Care Grant aims to help women who:
- “May have to go into care unless they get some support to enable them to stay at home.”
- “Are leaving any form of care and need help to set up their own home.”
- “Can also help households facing exceptional pressure with one-off items (washing machine)”
To be eligible for the Community Care Grant you must be over the age of 16 and get one of the following benefits: Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance, Pension credit or Universal Credit, although they advise you may still be able to get help if you are not receiving any benefits and are on a low income.
As many councils have a limited amount of money available each application is determined on a case-by-case basis and if there are a high number of applications the highest priority cases are considered first.
Community Care Grants are granted by the supply, delivery and installation of furniture or white goods. If a person purchases an item before the application is accepted, they will not be reimbursed for this.
Community Care Grants are fantastic help for those in need as they provide; Beds, Bedding, Duvet, Pillows, Carpets, Vinyl, White Goods, Kitchen Starter pack (which includes kettle, toaster, cutlery, pots & pans), Sofa, Microwave (under exceptional circumstances).
However, at present, window coverings are not considered a priority which can cause stress and anxiety and a feeling of being exposed to the outside world for many women especially those living alone. Therefore, we aim to provide funding for women to have these as we believe privacy is a huge factor in the recovery of domestic abuse.
How can you help?
At the moment we are looking to attend as many craft events and local events as possible and sharing information on our social media channels. By liking and sharing on social media we can raise awareness of the project and encourage people to come along to any events we will be attending too.