Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Women's Aid South Lanarkshire is a truly amazing organisation, supporting women in so many different ways. The women that work there are inspirational, wonderful people. I have been wanting to find a way to support them and give back to them for some time.

So, here it is. I am going to give up alcohol for the month of January 2014. Simples. ;)

Not only will this hopefully raise a bit of money for a charity I am passionate about, it will also help me towards a healthier start to the year and give me the motivation to stick to it. Everyone's a winner, really!

Domestic abuse can take many forms - physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, financial. Here's a wee stat to think about: On one day in 2012, 349 women and 323 children were living in a refuge.
(Source: SWA, 2012)

It's not what any woman wants for herself or her kids, but sometimes it's the only safe way to get out and get away. As the great Patrick Stewart says, domestic abuse is not a woman's issue, it's everyone's issue.  
See his amazing (and unplanned) speech on the subject on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqFaiVNuy1k&feature=youtu.be

That's not the only kind of work that Women's Aid does though - they offer all manner of support and counselling both for women and children. I cannot speak of them highly enough. Anything you can give to help support their fantastic work will go to helping vulnerable and scared women and children. Go on, do it and know you are doing something positive to help stop domestic abuse. That's why I don't really have a target amount I want to raise - it's more about awareness. 10 small donations means 10 more people are taking a definite stand against domestic abuse in all its many forms

If anyone wants further information about Women's Aid Scotland, this is their website address: http://www.scottishwomensaid.org.uk/

Women's Aid South Lanarkshire also has its own website: http://www.wasl.org.uk/

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.