With only few days left before Christmas Almond Housing Association has announced it will be funding West Lothian Women’s Aid’s Festive Films and Food initiative.

The funds will cover cinema tickets and a Christmas meal for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse.

West Lothian Women’s Aid, based in Livingston, offers a range of services for women and accompanying children who have or are experiencing domestic abuse. By providing refuge accommodation, support, information and advice the charity plays a pivotal role in helping women and their children move on from their experiences of domestic abuse.

Almond Housing Association supports West Lothian Women’s Aid’s work, and with the festive season coming up it wanted to make a special contribution.

Manager of West Lothian Women’s Aid, llena Brown, was presented with a cheque for £430 this week. The funds will cover cinema tickets and a Christmas meal at a local eatery for up to 12 women and their children.

Ilena Brown said: “This donation will prove to be invaluable to women and children who have been made homeless due to domestic abuse. Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for our residents who are living in temporary accommodation so we are very grateful to Almond Housing Association for providing the funds to create a good social opportunity for women and their children to enjoy.”

West Lothian Women’s Aid has operated since 1980 and cover the whole of West Lothian. They work in partnership with a number of agencies including police, social workers and a range of voluntary and charitable organisations.

Almond Housing Association said it appreciates this highly important work and hope that its Christmas present can make a difference.

Chief executive George Webster said: “It would be great if Women’s Aid didn’t have a job to do, but unfortunately there remains a need to provide protection and refuge for women and children who suffer abuse at home. If Almond can provide a bit of help so that these victims of abuse can get a little enjoyment at this time of the year then we are delighted to do so. As part of our work in helping the local communities we hope this day out will bring a bit of light relief to women and children who deserve some happiness at this time.”