Leeds has officially turned 400 years old this July, and to celebrate this important milestone, we are aiming to raise 400 hours of funding for our online chat service.
Leeds Women’s Aid formed in 1972 to provide support for women and families experiencing domestic abuse, opening our first refuge the following year. By 1990, we had grown to become the largest refuge in the country.
Another key milestone came in 2020 with the launch of our online chat service. Created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the service offers a safe, discreet way for those living with abusers to reach out when calling a helpline isn’t safe. The need for online chat support has continued to grow steadily since the service launched, with demand increasing by 24% from 2020 to 2025.
Nik Peasgood, chief executive of Leeds Women’s Aid, said: “At Leeds Women’s Aid, we are extremely proud to have supported victim-survivors of domestic abuse for 54 years of Leeds’ history. Today, the demand for our services is greater than ever.
With public support, we can fund 400 hours’ worth of online chat support, and ensure this digital lifeline is available for vulnerable women and families who need it most.
Thank you to everyone supporting this campaign as we celebrate our city of Leeds, whilst safeguarding our local communities.”
Support the campaign
Just £15 contributes to one hours’ worth of support, so 400 hours of the service could provide an incredible 150 opportunities for women and families to access safe, specialist support when they would not otherwise feel safe to contact us by phone.
The main way to support the campaign is by making an online donation on the campaign JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/400hoursofsupport
There are various other ways you can get involved, why not set up a fundraiser, take on a personal challenge, or host an event!
Download some branded resources below, and contact [email protected] and our team will support you every step of the way.
About the service
Our online chat service is available on this website Monday to Friday, 1pm–4pm, alongside 24/7 secure messaging, and is staffed by experienced Domestic Violence and Abuse Support Workers offering tailored support in complex and often dangerous situations. Learn more about the service on the Immediate Support page. The Leeds Domestic Violence Service helpline is also available 24/7 on: 0113 246 0401.
Help us celebrate 400 years of Leeds with purpose.