Sample Press Release -- Jubilee House Domestic Violence Shelter, Erskine, Scotland

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New shelter for abuse survivors introduces itself to community with black-tie gala 

Erskine, Scotland – Jubilee House, a planned shelter for domestic abuse survivors in Renfrewshire, will introduce itself to the community 27 May with a black-tie gala fundraiser at Erskine Bridge Hotel, Riverfront, Erskine. Tickets are £25 per plate. Groups can also reserve tables of 10.

The carnivale-themed gala, featuring carnival games, entertainment, an auction, a three-course meal, dancing, and a presentation by Member of Parliament Gavin Newlands, is Jubilee’s first fundraiser to underwrite £50,000 of required renovations that will make the Jubilee House ready for residents. About £12,000 has been given so far.

The house was donated to Erskine Church of the Nazarene by a non-member, for the purpose of serving the community. Many of Erskine Nazarene’s members have been affected in some way by domestic abuse. So, the church decided to dedicate the house to providing shelter and support for women and children fleeing domestic abuse – to become a community of second chances.

Even though the shelter is not yet open, members of the board and development team are already being approached by people from the community with stories of abuse, some of whom have asked for help.

“At least once a month we have some woman come in, or a kid come in, saying there’s something bad happening. We have people contacting us through Facebook,” said Catie Combes, Jubilee team member.

The team is directing these cases to organizations that are already up and running. But these stories underscore the urgency of Jubilee House’s mission.

From 2014 to 2015, police in Scotland tracked nearly 60,000 reported incidents of domestic abuse (http://tiny.cc/u3rnay). In December 2014, the Chief constable of Scotland said that, on average, police respond to a domestic violence call every 9 minutes. In one day in Scotland, 45 women and 25 children and young people sought refuge accommodation, yet Scottish Women’s Aid groups were unable to find suitable housing for 16 women and 9 children and young people.

A registered charity, Jubilee House will provide a safe, empowering space for healing, counselling, developing life skills and rebuilding lives for women and children in Renfrewshire.

To report on the gala, or for more information, call Becky at ###-########.