Clydebank Women's Aid group demand 'ring-fenced funding' after announcing closure

A Clydebank Women’s Aid group has demanded that national ring-fenced funding be made available after the service announced its closure.

The West Dunbartonshire service announced it was shutting with the “heaviest of hearts” on June 4. The charity, which has operated for more than 40 years, revealed the decision was made due to financial restraints.

In a statement on social media, the organisation said it had “worked relentlessly” to help women, children, and young people in their time of need.

Clydebank Women’s Aid hope their closure can act as a catalyst for similar services to receive the funding they need throughout Scotland.

The statement read: “Women, children and young people in Clydebank deserve fully funded, specialist Women’s Aid services that recognise the scale and impact of domestic abuse has on their lives.

“They deserve consistent support – 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.

“This is a call to action: for sustainable, ring-fenced funding for Women’s Aid groups across the country, 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.

“Our intention is that our phone lines will remain open until July 17 where women can access crisis support and information on their options. We are in the process of creating a document that will signpost women to other agencies depending on their situation

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

The closure comes after a new study from the University of Glasgow found that women who experience domestic violence are at higher risk of traumatic brain injury and mental health conditions almost 30 years after escaping their abusers.

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The Scottish Government says it has been left saddened by the charity’s decision to close and understands the impact of “uncertainty” surrounding funding can have.

However, they state that a record level of financial support has been made available for the services, and further investment is due over the next year.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “It was with sadness that Ministers noted the closure of Clydebank Women’s Aid, which has served its community since 1981.

“Record levels of funding have been invested in organisations that provide these vital support services to victims of domestic abuse.

“We have announced an uplift of £2.4m to the Delivering Equally Safe Fund, bringing our total investment for 2025/26 up to £21.6m for the year ahead.

“While the Scottish Government only receiving single-year funding makes multi-year funding challenging, we recognise the impact that uncertainty can have on organisations to deliver critical services.”