My CWA awarded £10,000 as part of Constabulary’s Christmas charity initiative

The Crewe-based domestic abuse charity has been awarded £10k from Chief Constable Mark Roberts on behalf of the force on the first day of the Cheshire Constabulary in the Community Christmas initiative.

On Friday 12th December, the Constabulary announced that it would again be supporting the Cheshire Constabulary in the Community Christmas charity initiative.

As part of the initiative, Mark Roberts will be donating a share of £50,000 on behalf of the force to five county-based organisations that focus on supporting residents and local communities.

In the run up to Christmas this year, we will be looking at the work the Chief Constables’ chosen charities do for the people of Cheshire as they are presented with their share, which will go a substantial way to helping them continue the often vital community work they offer into 2026.

The first of the chosen charities for 2025 is My CWA (formerly My Cheshire Without Abuse).

Since 1977, their family-oriented service has provided victims and their families affected by domestic abuse with everything from designated helplines, crisis accommodation and recovery programmes, to practical support and behaviour change programmes.

Last Thursday, Crewe Chief Inspector Andrew Baker visited the Lily Jones Support Centre on Mill Street, Crewe, and presented the team from MyCWA with a cheque for £10,000 on behalf of Chief Constable Roberts.

Speaking about My CWA, Chief Constable Mark Roberts said:

“Domestic abuse is an issue that can have devastating effects on everyone within a family setting.

“Which is why, when victims and their children find themselves in crisis and feel as if they have nowhere to turn, MyCWA provides them with that vital lifeline to help them find a safe space where they can begin to take steps to break the cycle of domestic abuse.

“MyCWA has been an institution in Crewe for nearly 50 years and the work of their staff during those five decades has helped so many people across Cheshire rebuild better lives for them and their families, so I am delighted to present them with a donation of £10,000 to support the fantastic work they do into 2026.”

Saskia Lightburn-Ritchie, CEO of My CWA (Cheshire Without Abuse), added:

“We’re incredibly grateful to Cheshire Constabulary for this generous support and ongoing commitment to tackling domestic abuse. This funding will help us provide safety, stability and hope for families across Cheshire at a time when demand for our services has never been higher.

“Our partnership with the Constabulary is vital - by working closely together, we can reach people earlier, support them more effectively, and help prevent abuse before it escalates. It’s strong relationships like this that make lasting change possible, and we’re so grateful for the Constabulary’s support.”

Pictured - My CWA C.E.O. Saskia Lightburn-Ritchie (left) and C.O.O. Vicky Sail.