A charity which offers emotional and practical support for women and children affected by domestic abuse has become the latest beneficiary of EDF Energy’s Scottish Charity Fund.

The owner of Hunterston B power station has donated £8,000 from the fund to North Ayrshire Women’s Aid.

One in five women experience domestic abuse and it affects 100,000 children in Scotland. North Ayrshire Women’s Aid offers a range of services from group support and counselling to help with form filling and refuge services.

Over the past year EDF Energy has donated more than £100,000 to Scottish charities. Most of that money has benefitted groups near to its bases at Hunterston B, East Kilbride and Torness.

Hunterston B Station Director, Colin Weir said: “Figures from the Scottish Government show that the levels of domestic abuse reported to Police Scotland have dropped but there are still too many women experiencing abuse in the home. The support North Ayrshire Women’s Aid provides offers them a vital lifeline. I’m delighted that I was able to hand over a cheque for £8000 to help them carry out their work in area.”

Mary Beglan Chief Officer from North Ayrshire Women’s Aid said: “The generous donation from EDF Energy has allowed us to spread word of our service to women experiencing or at risk of experiencing domestic violence. We purchased lip balm with our telephone number on it and promotional leaflets which will be distributed across North Ayrshire. Through this gift EDF Energy has enabled us to get our message to thousands of women and children at risk and in doing so may have saved some lives. We have also purchased new garden furniture for women and children to enjoy in our accommodation.”