People Power Guide
Women's Lives Matter
PRIDE
An activist group in Doncaster has dedicated itself to providing an alternative to the now closed Women’s Aid. Women’s Aid is a UK-wide charity which aims to end domestic violence against women and children. Many local women raised money to launch the service in the 1970s.
20th August , Sir Nigel Gresley Square
Women’s Lives Matter is an anti-austerity feminist group which campaigned against the closure of Women’s Aid in Doncaster. A petition opposing the closure attracted over 1,500 signatures. Women’s Aid had relied on funding from the Big Lottery Fund for the past three years. Prior to this, their services were funded by Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council. In a statement, the Council said they were assisting Women’s Aid in sourcing new funding. In an online statement, Women’s Lives Matter said: “We already have several trained counsellors in Doncaster, including one who specialises in ethnic minority women, now unemployed after the closure of Women’s Aid. We also have an accountant and a solicitor among our supporters who can help us set up a new organisation. We have even been offered space in the rooms above the Real Junk Food Project café to use as a base. We just need to secure some funding to pay the wages of the staff.” Karen Johnson, Assistant Director of Communities at Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council (DMBC), said: “We were recently approached by Women’s Aid about their financial situation and are currently helping them to identify alternative funding. We will be ensuring that those in need continue to have access to support. Doncaster Council did historically contract Women’s Aid to provide services to victims of domestic violence. However, this ended in 2013 following the appointment of a new provider. This was the result of a comprehensive tendering process.” The Women’s Lives Matter Campaign meets regularly at The Real Junk Food Project on Scot Lane. The co-ordinators have applied for funding to secure the service and continue this essential service. “Tackling domestic abuse is a key priority for the Council and its partners and we have a wide range of help and support available for victims in Doncaster. For confidential advice, information and support, call our domestic abuse helpline on 0800 470 1505. Always ring 999 if you are in immediate danger.” Doncaster operates a domestic abuse service, made up of agencies including the police, Council, NHS and voluntary sector services, such as Riverside ECHG, Women’s Aid, Victim Support, and Doncaster Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Service.
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Plans are well underway for the tenth Doncaster Pride, which will take place on the 20th August at the heart of the town centre. With humble beginnings in the Market Place and an audience of around 1,000 in 2007, the event now proudly stands as one of the biggest in Doncaster, with crowds expected to reach 10,000 to mark the 10th birthday. The event is run for and by the gay community, but has always welcomed everyone including families to the colourful day, which includes a walk through the streets of Doncaster. The walk is led by a pipe and drum band and features local community groups, including the South Yorkshire Commemorative Trust and representatives from collieries across the borough. All in all, a fun, friendly and colourful day out that’s completely free. Add to the walk and the main stage a mix of food and drink outlets, stalls crammed full of info and retailers selling an array of goods and the event is complete. Chair of Doncaster Pride, Jenny Dewsnap, said: “We have been doing this for ten years and we are proud of what we’ve achieved as a very small voluntary group. We’ve seen things change enormously in that time here in Doncaster. We’ve seen support from within and outside the gay community grow, and we now have many sponsors and supporters who help us to deliver this fabulous event. We’ve also seen our crowds grow year on year, not just from the gay community but much wider, all coming together in unity and celebration to have an amazing day out. Doncaster Pride has grown to be one of the largest annual events in the town and it puts Doncaster on the map for the right reasons. We feel we’re part of a growing number of hugely successful Pride events, and of course we reckon we’re one of the best around. We must be doing something right to be going this strong for the tenth birthday event. We are so proud of what we’ve achieved, but more so we are proud of everyone in Doncaster who has supported us over ten years. We urge you all to come and join in on 20th August and help us celebrate this milestone. “Pride does have a serious side. Recent events in Florida - the senseless murder of 49 people from our community - have served to remind us all that Pride events are still as important now as they have ever been. The world may have advanced, but homophobia and lack of education prevails. Whilst ever one person anywhere in the world is suffering because of their sexuality, we will continue, and we will remember the real reasons why Pride events and the visibility they give to the gay community are still relevant in 2016.” Walk of Unity – From 1pm. Meeting point at The Queens, Doncaster market square. Route is one mile approximately and suitable for all, including wheelchairs and pushchairs. It is a totally pedestrianised route. Main stage – DJ commences at 1pm