A CHARITY supporting women and girls in Mid Cheshire has experienced record demand for its services.
Motherwell Cheshire’s HerStory conference and annual meeting heard how the charity has supported more than 5,000 people in 2024.
Through a variety of services, they have helped people deal with everything from anxiety and depression to managing menopause and grief following baby loss.
Charity founder and trained counsellor, Kate Blakemore, said: “Our services have grown in line with local demand.
“What began as free counselling for women who have suffered baby loss has grown into a large organisation touching so many lives, and now that includes men and women at work.”
She added: “Motherwell Cheshire has touched the lives of over 5,000 women and girls and parents over the past year.
“More than ever before, and that’s just on paper. Countless more have benefited from our holistic therapies and social activities.”
Alongside counselling services, Motherwell Cheshire runs Edna’s Laundrette, a free washing and drying facility at New Images Youth and Community Centre on Nixon Drive, Winsford.
It’s also coordinating a big effort to make Cheshire a beacon for period dignity by breaking down taboos around menstruation and ending period poverty by providing sanitary items free of charge.
Libraries across Cheshire and Brio leisure centres, including Winsford Lifestyle Centre and Northwich Memorial Court, serve as drop off points for period products donated by the public.
These are then distributed around schools, community organisations and sporting groups.
Meanwhile, an increasing number of parents have sought help from Motherwell’s collection hub offering recycled school uniforms, winter coats, baby clothes and prams free of charge.
At the HERStory conference, an impact report revealed that the charity has given back £475,693 of social value to the Cheshire community, helping to plug the gap for many women unable to find NHS or peer support elsewhere.
Kate added: “Every £1 spent with us results in £21 delivered and or saved. That’s huge value to the community.
“We would love to hear from any business, organisation or individual who can support us in some way.”
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