As city-wide Leeds 400 celebrations are in full swing, local domestic abuse charity, Leeds Women’s Aid is aiming to raise 400 hours of funding for its online chat service.
Commencing this July, Leeds 400 is a year-long celebration inviting residents, communities and visitors to come together to celebrate the city’s rich heritage and vibrant future, 400 years since receiving its first Royal Charter from King Charles I.
Leeds Women’s Aid formed in 1972 to provide support for women and families experiencing domestic abuse, opening its first refuge the following year. By 1990, it had grown to become the largest refuge in the country.
Another key milestone for the charity came in 2020 with the launch of its online chat service. Created in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the service offers a safe, discreet way for those living with abusers to reach out when calling a helpline isn’t safe. The need for online chat support has continued to grow steadily since the service launched, with demand increasing by 24% from 2020 to 2025.
Nik Peasgood, Chief Executive of Leeds Women’s Aid, said:
“At Leeds Women’s Aid, we are extremely proud to have supported victim-survivors of domestic abuse for 54 years of Leeds’ history. Today, the demand for our services is greater than ever.
With public support, we can fund 400 hours’ worth of online chat support, and ensure this digital lifeline is available for vulnerable women and families who need it most.
Thank you to everyone supporting this campaign as we celebrate our city of Leeds, whilst safeguarding our local communities.”
A donation of £15 contributes towards one hour of online chat support. Reaching the target of 400 hours will create 150 opportunities for women and families to access safe, specialist support when they need it most.
The online chat service can be accessed on the Leeds Women’s Aid website Monday to Friday 1pm-4pm, with an option to leave a secure message out of these hours. The charity also operates the Leeds Domestic Violence Service helpline, available 24/7 on: 0113 246 0401.
Online donations to the campaign can be made via JustGiving at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/400hoursofsupport
Email fundraising@leedswomensaid.org.uk for more information.
This post is based on a press release issued by Leeds Women’s Aid
Photos: archive images from LWA’s first refuge in the early 1970s
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