ONE woman’s dedication to supporting victims of domestic abuse through a charity she set up has led to her being nominated for an award.

Linda Kirk, director and founder of the Just For Women Centre, in Stanley, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Amazing Women Awards 2020 which recognises women who work to help others in their local area.

Charity Just For Women has supported over 4,000 women since it was first founded by Linda in 2011, who set up the centre to offer services such as counselling and mental health support for vulnerable women, as well as training to help those who are struggling to get into work.

Ms Kirk said: “It’s a great honour and was a lovely surprise to be nominated for this award, a big thank you to Charlotte for the nomination. I would love to bring this award back to the North East.”

The centre has been supported over the years by Stanley Area Action Partnership and has recently received funding, as part of Durham County Council’s £1.4 million AAP coronavirus support fund, to continue to help those in need during the pandemic.

This has included a Crafting Against Covid-19 project which supports vulnerable families and elderly people by delivering crafting packs safely to their homes to promote positive wellbeing and keep people engaged while unable to leave the house.

The centre has also delivered essential items, such as personal hygiene products, to those who have been unable to access essentials during lockdown.

Councillors in the Stanley area also provided funding to enable Just for Women to expand their Feel Good Hamper project which has been delivered to care homes in the area and residents who live in their own bungalows or homes. Around 3,200 Feel Good Hampers have been delivered and have been very well received, lifting people’s spirits during the pandemic.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “It is great to see that one of the organisations we have supported over the years has been shortlisted for an award.

“Just For Women was awarded funding from Stanley AAP as part of our coronavirus support fund because of the vital work it does in supporting women in the North East and for the wider services it has stepped up to provide for the local community during the coronavirus outbreak.

“Linda’s organisation has supported thousands of women since it was first founded and she highly deserves to be recognised for her dedication in supporting others with this award.”

People can vote for Ms Kirk until July 31 at womanandhome.com/amazing-women-awards/north-west-east-yorkshire-2020-365407/