For immediate release

Clare Haughey, MSP for Rutherglen Constituency, has welcomed the Scottish Government announcement that more than 100 organisations across Scotland working to tackle violence against women and girls will share in a funding uplift of £2.4 million.

The funding boost will bring the total Scottish Government investment in the Delivering Equally Safe Fund, which funds projects by organisations across Scotland to prevent violence and support survivors.  If this year’s Scottish Budget is approved, the fund will provide £21.6 million for the year ahead to support Scotland’s strategy to eradicate violence against women and girls.

As a result of the funding uplift, counselling service Liber8 Lanarkshire, which is based in Blantyre, is set to receive over £258,000, South Lanarkshire Council would receive over £26,000, and Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire set to receive over £450,000.

Commenting, Clare Haughey said:

“Grassroots organisations such as Liber8 are at the heart of tackling violence against women and girls. Their work is fundamental to creating a country free from gender-based abuse.

“Saoirse for example is a joint project between Liber8 and Women’s Aid that offers women a range of holistic and person-centred interventions and activities, including 1-1 support, group work, educational workshops and self-development opportunities.

“This funding boost will support these organisations, will help prevent abuse occurring and ensure that women and girls who have experienced violence can continue to access the support they deserve.”