Save the Women's Support Project

In a grim sign of what’s to come in Austerity Britain 2010, Glasgow City Council have pulled out of funding one of the most important services available in Scotland for women and children who have suffered abuse or are vulnerable.

The Women’s Support Project is a voluntary organisation that, since 1983, has provided support for thousands of women, in particular those whose children have been abused. It also does all kinds of crucial research into violence against women, prostitution, pornography and protecting children. If you’ve heard any kind of reliable information on these issues in Scotland in recent years it’s likely they were involved. The project works to provide training and information to organisations and individuals that will help build up services for women.

But now, as local government funding is slashed everywhere to pay for the various bouts of government insanity we’ve seen in recent years (wars in Iraq, giving rich people loads of money, duck houses etc.), Glasgow City Council has decided to withdraw 100% of its funding for the project.

Workers at the project are determined not to close, and to continue providing vital services. They’ve launched an urgent appeal to raise £10, 000 so they can keep afloat over the next year while they look for alternative funding. Their aim is to get 5000 people to pledge £20, so if there’s any chance you can spare it, then head here to donate.

Of course there’s also things you can do if you haven’t got anything to spare, the main one being asking Glasgow City Council wtf they think they’re all about. The Save the Women’s Support Project Facebook page has got more on this, but you can find out who your local councillor is here. Or you can go straight to the top and email Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for Social Care, at archie.graham@councillors.glasgow.gov.uk

While you’re at it, you can also email Deputy Executive Member for Social Care and Equalities Councillor Ruth Black, at ruth.black@councillors.glasgow.gov.uk. Politics nerds everywhere will of course remember that Councillor Black was originally elected for Solidarity, but defected to Labour in order to “assist with the equalities agenda.” Let her know she’s got a great chance to make good on that commitment by fighting the Labour council’s decision!