Anna Caygill, Service Manager from Family Help Darlington CIO attended No. 10 Downing Street on Monday 24th April to represent the local charity at the Prime Minister’s reception in recognition of local charity champions.
Family Help Darlington CIO are a fantastic organisation who offer specialist domestic abuse support for women and women with children fleeing domestic abuse. Established in 1976, Family Help Darlington CIO is an independent charity, home to Darlington’s only women’s refuge, which itself is one of the longest-standing refuges in the UK. Every year, Family Help CIO accommodate around 60 women and 100 children, providing them with a safe, welcoming home and a supportive team who encourage progress towards positive and safe outcomes free from domestic abuse.
Peter Gibson, MP for Darlington said: “I wanted to make sure that the incredible work done by Family Help CIO does not go unnoticed, enabling women to realise they are not alone and not to blame and empowering women and their children to overcome trauma and rebuild their lives is paramount in ensuring the safety of women and children across our town.
“I know Anna enjoyed the evening. It is always a privilege to walk down that famous street and pass beyond the black door. I know Anna will have good memories of the evening and everyone at Family Help should know they have been recognised, albeit in a small way, for all that they do.
“I have been proud to help and support and when the Prime Minister asked me to invite representatives of a charity to Downing Street for a reception to recognise their work Family Help CIO was at the top of my list.”
Sadly, Carole the Chief Executive was unable to make the trip, but Anna Caygill attended on behalf of Family Help CIO on the evening.
