Women and families affected by domestic abuse across north-east Scotland will benefit from a £10,000 grant from Mackie’s of Scotland, helping to protect a safe, confidential space for frontline support and preventative education.
The award to Grampian Women’s Aid is part of Mackie’s £40,000 charity commitment to mark 40 years of making ice cream in Aberdeenshire. The family business created the fund to thank and support the communities that have been part of its story for four decades.
The funding will help the charity continue using a multipurpose space for confidential one-to-one meetings with women, while also developing group sessions with young people that explore misogyny, abusive behaviour and how abuse can be prevented.
Aileen Forbes, CEO of Grampian Women’s Aid, said: “The Mackie’s Charity Grant will let us keep what we’ve got going and allow the development and use of that space as well, which is great.
“Being supported locally is important to us because it means they have the same ethos as we do. The regional support Mackie’s is giving us will be so much more impactful because they understand us.”
Grampian Women’s Aid has supported women and children across north-east Scotland since 1978. Alongside direct support and court advocacy, the charity is putting greater emphasis on prevention and education, including group sessions that help young people recognise and challenge misogyny and harmful behaviour.
The award comes as the charity responds to growing pressure on its services, with demand rising by 13% last year. Its team supports women and children at every stage of their experience of domestic abuse, from a first confidential conversation to court advocacy and longer-term practical help.
Kirstin Mackie, Development Director of Mackie's and Aileen Forbes, CEO of Grampian Women's Aid
Kirstin Mackie, Development Director at Mackie’s of Scotland, said: “Grampian Women’s Aid has been part of our local community for many years, and the increase in demand for its services shows just how important it is that the charity has the space and resources to continue its work supporting people.
“What really stood out to us was the range of work being delivered. There is the immediate, practical support for women who may need somewhere safe to go, someone to speak to or help navigating the courts, but there is also important work taking place with younger people.
“Supporting local organisations has long been important to our family business. We wanted the £40,000 charity commitment marking 40 years of making ice cream to create a lasting benefit, and this grant does exactly that: it supports people at a point of real need while helping to prevent future abuse.”
The £10,000 award is one part of Mackie’s 40th anniversary £40,000 charity commitment. Three organisations are each receiving £10,000 grants following an application process, while ten more charities and community groups chosen by Mackie’s staff are receiving £1,000 donations.
The anniversary fund builds on Mackie’s long-standing support for charities, schools and community organisations across Scotland, and the north-east in particular, with a focus on young people, stronger communities, wellbeing and vital local services.
Aileen added: “Having the relationship with Mackie’s now is wonderful. We’ve put up a little sign in the room to show we’re in partnership with them, it’s positive for the women who use the space to see a well-known local business supporting our work.
“We’re extremely thrilled to have been selected and the funding gives us confidence to keep developing the space for one-to-one support and the group sessions we run with young people.”