Women and children’s support service marks 25 years of care

A pioneering Renfrewshire service that supports women and children affected by gender-based violence is marking 25 years of life-changing work. 

Women and Children First, based within Renfrewshire Council’s Children’s Services, has been tackling gender-based violence since its launch in 2000.  

The service provides practical and emotional support to women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence. 

Founded in partnership initially with Rape Crisis and Police Scotland, later partnering with Children First, the service was built on the principle that the voices of women and children should shape the support they receive.  

Since then, it has supported thousands of families across Renfrewshire, while also helping to drive wider cultural change through initiatives such as the annual Reclaim the Night march and the Young and Equally Safe programme. 

Reflecting on the service’s impact, particularly their experience of the CEDAR (Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recovery) programme, one service user said: “Women and Children First gave me and my children the support we needed when we felt most alone. The CEDAR programme was life-changing, it helped my children process what they’d been through and gave me the confidence to rebuild my life.  

“I’ve since returned to university and even started my own women’s group. I’ll always be grateful for the support, care, and sense of family they gave us.” 

Another service user said: “From the very first telephone call I felt heard, there are no expectations, just support that they give in abundance and they feel like family in the end.” 

Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator and CEDAR facilitator Karen McNulty highlighted the importance of emotional connection in the team’s work: “One of the most powerful things we hear from service users is that they feel ‘held and heard.’ That sense of being truly listened to can be transformative.  

“Many tell us that one of the most powerful moments is realising they’re not alone. Meeting other mums and children with shared experiences can be a real lightbulb moment. 

“It can be a really hard job in terms of what we hear and see. When our clients are at their most vulnerable, it’s us they trust and it’s a huge responsibility, but also a real privilege. Service users shouldn’t need us anymore if we do our job properly, but we have an open-door policy if anyone needs to come back at any point.” 

Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator and CEDAR facilitator, Ashley Ross, added: “One of my proudest moments was facilitating my first CEDAR group and seeing the transformation in participants. It reinforced why I do this work and how powerful these programmes can be. 

“Working with trauma can be emotionally intense, but I feel supported through regular supervision, reflective practice sessions, and strong team dynamics. As a team we lean on each other and encourage open discussion, ensuring a healthy working environment.” 

The service marked its anniversary with a celebration event at the Mile End Centre, bringing together past and present staff, partners, and supporters to reflect on the journey so far and look ahead to the future. 

Women and Children First continues to work closely with partners across health, education, housing, and justice to provide wraparound support for families, ensuring that women and children are safe, heard, and empowered to rebuild their lives. 

Councillor Emma Rodden, Convenor of Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the Women and Children First team for 25 years of outstanding service. Their compassion, strength, and dedication have transformed lives and created lasting change in our community.  

“Thank you for the vital work you do every day to support and empower women and children across Renfrewshire.” 

For more information about Women and Children First, please visit their page on the Renfrewshire Council’s website.