Celebrating 25 Years of Dedication at Women’s Aid NEL

Women's Aid North East Lincolnshire
Jul 9
2 min read

Updated: Sep 3

25 Years, 5 Women, 1 Mission: Standing with Survivors

TL;DR: Five members of our team have been standing with women and children affected by domestic abuse for 25 years. This blog celebrates their unwavering dedication, the impact they’ve made and the reasons they’ve stayed — through challenges, changes and everything in between.

Meet the Five Women Who Never Gave Up

Denise, Lucie, Deana, Barbara and Maria

These five members of staff have quietly and consistently supported hundreds of women over the years. Their roles may have changed, but their commitment never has.

"25 year celebration women's aid would like you to join us in a trip down memory lane to celebrate 25 years of service. Denise, Lucie, Deana, Barbara & Maria" Celebration banner with photos of five Women’s Aid staff — Denise, Lucie, Deana, Barbara and Maria — marking 25 years of service supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse.

Thousands of phone calls answered, often in the darkest of moments
Countless cups of tea made for women who needed to breathe
Babies held, children comforted, rooms cleaned, paperwork filed
Support offered at 3am when no one else was there
Tough days, heart-breaking days and the odd brilliant, beautiful one
And still… they stayed

We asked them what’s kept them going all these years. Their answers were simple and powerful:

“Because every woman deserves to be believed.”

“Because the work matters and so do the women.”

“Because this isn’t just a job. It’s who I am.”

“Because the women who walk through our doors are stronger than they know.”

“Because 25 years later, the need hasn’t gone away.”

It’s Not Just About Time

It’s About Impact

Group of 5 women standing in a row all collecting gifts and flowers.

While we’re celebrating these five incredible women, we know they’re part of a much bigger story.

Over the past 25 years, countless people have walked through the doors of Women’s Aid NEL, staff, volunteers, students, trustees, fundraisers and supporters. Some stayed for years. Others for a season. But every one of them made a difference.

Their ideas, energy and belief helped us grow from a single refuge to the wide-reaching support service we are today. Whether it was answering a call, raising funds, driving a woman to safety or sitting with her while she made a difficult decision, they have all helped shape who we are.

This milestone belongs to them too.

Together, these five women have:

Helped shape and grow our refuge and outreach services Mentored new staff and volunteers with warmth and wisdom Stood alongside women rebuilding their lives Kept showing up even when the work felt heavy Their legacy is woven into everything we do. Women’s Aid NEL wouldn’t be what it is today without them.