Clydebank Women’s Aid has announced it is to close citing funding problems after supporting women and their families for more than 40 years.

In a statement the charity, which launched in 1983, said that “after many years of tireless dedication, we are no longer in a position to provide the support that women, children, and young people in our community need and, more importantly, deserve”.

It added that “this decision has not been made lightly, and we are devastated that it has come to this”.

Funding problems are cited as a factor saying that women and their families in the area “deserve fully funded, specialist Women’s Aid services that recognise the scale and impact of domestic abuse has on their lives”.

“They deserve support that is consistent — not services struggling to survive on insecure funding. No woman should be left without support because a vital service couldn’t afford to continue. Sustainable investment isn’t optional — it’s a necessity.”

As it closes it is calling for ring fenced funding for Women’s Aid groups across Scotland “for recognition of the scale and impact of domestic abuse, and for the right of every woman, child, and young person to live free from fear of violence and abuse”.

The charity’s phone lines will remain open until 17 Jul for women to access crisis support and information. It is currently creating a document to signpost women to other organisations for support.

“The closure of Clydebank Women’s Aid marks the end of an era,” said the charity.

“ We want to take the opportunity to thank workers, both past and present, and other agencies who have supported the work of Clydebank Women’s Aid. To the women, children and young people who have accessed our service, thank you for trusting us and allowing us the opportunity to support you.”

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