A CHARITY that provides vital services to survivors of domestic abuse across East Renfrewshire has agreed a new partnership with an action group led by church congregations.

The two-year agreement between Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire & East Renfrewshire (WASLER) and Scottish Churches Housing Action (SCHA) will enable the charity to offer ‘starter packs’ to vulnerable families moving on to their own tenancy.

Lynsey Queen, WASLER’s refuge manager, told the Barrhead News: “Having the support of local churches to provide these starter packs will make a huge difference.

“This can be very costly for women and, by having the funds donated, this will enable them to not only purchase essential items for their new home but also to choose the items they want to buy.

“Having this support will enable families to move into their new home and sustain their tenancy.”

SCHA brings together the main Christian denominations and organisations, with the vision of creating communities that are free of homelessness.

Heather Zajac, SCHA’s development manager, said: “When someone gets a house from the council or a housing association after they have been homeless, it is empty.

"They don’t get furniture, bedding, cooking essentials or cleaning equipment and they don’t generally have extra money to furnish their new home outwith essential items such as plates, pots, bedding and cutlery.

“Families may help but, often, people are cut off from family.

“Churches are a crucial part of helping the community. We are inspired by the response and would welcome support from any local churches or communities.”

For more information on the services provided by WASLER, call 01355 249897 or send an email to info@wasler.org.uk.