CWA – Cheshire Without Abuse hub

Macclesfield MP, David Rutley, met with the Chief Executive of My CWA, Saskia Lightburn-Ritchie, for a tour of the new hub and community shop in Jordangate.

The visit also enabled David to find out more about My CWA’s important role in tackling domestic abuse. 

Saskia set out the role of the charity and its work in Macclesfield helping families affected by domestic abuse. During the tour, David was shown their new facilities and met staff and service users alike. David was interested to hear that, as well as a 24-hour helpline, counselling, recovery programmes and behavioural change therapy, the charity also offers temporary, safe crisis accommodation for those who need to urgently escape from domestic abuse. 

The community shop, run by the newly appointed manager Emma McDonald and a team of volunteers and service users, not only sells typical charity shop items, but also provides other services including a foodbank and toiletry bank. The staff can be contacted on 01625 617501 or people can also simply drop in to find out more about information days and volunteering opportunities.

My CWA was founded in 1977 by the late Lily Jones who started the charity by running a helpline from her own home and appearing in newspapers and on the radio. After 6 years of campaigning, she successfully opened a women’s refuge in Crewe in 1983. Whilst Lily sadly passed away in 2003, her legacy lives on in the charity that she created.

Speaking about the visit, David said ‘I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet Saskia and her team and to see the incredible work taken forward by all those involved with My CWA. I would encourage local residents to visit their community shop in Jordangate and help support the important work that they do. I welcome the expanded range of services that they provide, and I will continue to support their efforts in the years to come.’