Black Country Women’s Aid’s canal walk challenge aims to ‘Cut out Abuse’

Black Country Women’s Aid’s (BCWA) Cut out Abuse sponsored walk is raising funds to build much-needed new refuge accommodation. The fundraiser is named after the region’s stunning network of canals, known locally as ‘the cut’.

The Cut out Abuse initiative is in response to a local and national shortage of refuge space. BCWA had to turn away over two-thirds of people who applied to them for refuge last year.

BCWA is building a new refuge consisting of 10 flats, with one being Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant following support from Sandwell Council, and converting an office block into 6 flats with the support of Dudley Council. The charity is committed to responding to all the community needs, however recognised that there isn’t enough provision for people with disabilities. Disabled people are three times more likely to experience domestic abuse, for longer periods of time and have additional barriers to accessing support.

BCWA is asking supporters to walk either 5, 10 or 15km with family, friends or colleagues in teams of up to 5 people. Participants can choose their own canal route and a time and date from now until the end of September that suits them.

It is easy to register and fundraise for ‘Cut out Abuse’ here: blackcountrywomensaid.enthuse.com/cf/cut-out-abuse-walk-challenge

Whether walking the dog, strolling to the pub or getting some steps in during a break from work, there’s plenty of ways to take part.

Walkers can also record and track their progress there and friendly competition is being encouraged through online leader boards. Organisations can field more than one team and there will be prizes for the individual and team that raise the most money.

BCWA hope to fundraise £15,000, approximately the cost of furniture for 10 cosy refuge flat living rooms, through Cut out Abuse.

Black Country Women’s Aid commemorates its 40^th anniversary in 2026. It started as a refuge provider and now offers multiple, holistic support services for women, men and children affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking and modern slavery.

Sara Ward, CEO of BCWA said “We are responding to the needs of our community.

”Turning away victims is not easy as we know the tremendous courage and risks associated with leaving a violent home.

“We are thrilled to be developing new refuge provision and any funds raised will make a real difference. We have already covered building costs through reserves, so we are asking for help to finish and fit out the self-contained apartments, ready to welcome families who have been through a lot together.

“We know our communities care and we know our communities support us; this campaign brings us together walking the fabulous canal paths of the Black Country to help others live free from the fear of violence and abuse.”