West Brom helps women’s refuge

The West Brom made a £2,000 donation to enable staff at Roshni to purchase equipment for a new children’s play area in its garden.

In addition, a team of eight volunteers also spent time at the refuge, preparing the garden and painting some of the rooms inside.

Roshni, which was formed in 1979, provides support and refuge to South Asian women and their children now living in the UK who have suffered from, and are fleeing, domestic violence, honour based crimes and forced marriage.

Surwat Sohail, chief executive of Roshni, said: “The West Brom have been fantastic supporters of ours over a number of years and this is another wonderful gesture.

“It was a lovely atmosphere when the volunteering team came to the refuge and the work the West Brom were involved with inspired many of the women staying at Roshni to paint their rooms as well.

“As for the play area, most of the women we support arrive with their children who have experienced a great deal of distress and upheaval at a very early stage in their lives, so we are excited to provide a stimulating setting in which they can play.

“It’s also often not safe for the women to take their children to local parks and be seen in public, so having our own play area - complete with climbing frames, slides and other equipment - will be fantastic.”

The West Brom’s donation was made through the Mercian Community Trust, a partnership between the society and the Diocese of Lichfield to support community groups and charitable causes in the region.

Jim King, communications manager for the West Brom, said: “We are proud to be able to support Roshni, who do outstanding work supporting a very disadvantaged section of the local community.”