Black Country Women’s Aid (BCWA), which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, is an independent charity that answers 13,000 requests for help from West Midlands victim-survivors every year.
Each year the Chamber selects a charity based in the Black Country to support it to raise funds, promote its work and celebrate its impact in the local community.
Black Country Chamber of Commerce CEO Sarah Moorhouse said: “Over the last 40 years, Black Country Women’s Aid has been not only been a lifeline to people desperate to escape violence and abuse, but also an important advocate for raising awareness, empowering local women, men and children, and bringing about change.
“We are pleased that in naming BCWA as our charity of the year, we can help shine a light on the incredible and vital work they do.”
BCWA won the Chamber’s Not-for-Profit Organisation of the Year award in 2024 and has a long-standing record of working closely with both the Chamber and its members.
The charity has a full calendar of special events, fundraisers and sponsored challenges planned for the year, including a bucket-list tandem skydive, the annual Bucket and Spade appeal to give families living in refuge a seaside day trip, a canal side Cut Out Abuse sponsored walk, and a carol concert featuring community choirs.
Sara Ward, CEO of the Black Country Women’s Aid, said: “We’re thrilled and very grateful to the Chamber of Commerce for selecting us as its charity of the year.
“We have strong links with Black Country businesses and support them with purposeful volunteering opportunities, expert training on staff wellbeing issues and evidencing social value.
“We’re confident that this alliance with the Black Country business community will help us amplify our work, ensuring that everyone affected by domestic abuse has access to the help, safety and resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives.”
The Chamber’s charity of the year in 2025/26 was Beacon Centre for the Blind, which supports people living with a range of sight conditions.
