The Women’s Aid charity for the far north is welcoming back its “book fairies” for a fourth year as part of its efforts to raise awareness of domestic violence.
The project run by Caithness and Sutherland Women’s Aid (CASWA) sees 16 books being shared via “book drops” across the two counties over a 16-day period.
It is one of three ways CASWA is marking the international period of activism against gender-based violence and abuse, more widely known as 16 days, from November 25 until December 10.
Deputy manager Emma Fraser described 16 days as “a really important time in our calendar”.
She explained: “Due to the nature of our work, we are a charity that sits relatively behind the scenes and we are tasked with finding creative, innovative ways to engage with and become more visible within our community.
“Our book fairy project is one of the ways we do this and we’re delighted to have it returning for its fourth year.
“This year we’ve had great support from the community. All 16 books have been donated to the project, equating to over £120 worth of books.
“Our book fairies will be out in the community from November 25 and are excited to share women-centred stories and literature with feminist themes once again with our community.”
When anyone finds one of the books, CASWA invites them to take it home or give it to someone.
“This year we’re particularly keen to hear from people who find our book fairy books,” Emma said. “People can get in touch with us via the ‘contact us’ page on our website.”
CASWA will also be marking the period of activism with a call for donations of additional safety equipment via its Amazon Wish List.
Emma said: “These additional items can give women we support peace of mind and help them to feel safer within and outwith their homes”.
Anyone interested in supporting this project is asked to visit CASWA’s Amazon Wish List.
A community event is also taking place at Lyth Arts Centre on Monday, December 9. It will showcase work created through a collaborative project with Lyth artist in residence Micah Mackay.
“It was such a worthwhile experience,” Emma said. “Micah designed four workshops for women supported by CASWA as well as a further workshop for our staff team.
“The creative focus of her workshops was around women’s voices, self-expression and empowerment and it was a great experience for all involved.
“We’re really excited as a charity to have Lyth Arts Centre holding an event to showcase the results of this work. It is a great opportunity for our community to get to know our charity and show their support.”
Tickets can be booked via the Lyth Arts Centre website.
CASWA can be contacted by phone or email at 0345 408 0151 or [email protected] (CASWA does not work evenings or weekends) and its website is www.caswa.org.uk
The Scottish Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline is available 24/7 (0800 027 1234). For more information, visit www.sdafmh.org.uk
CASWA is the local Women’s Aid charity that supports women, children and young people to stay safe from domestic abuse. Next year marks the group’s 20th anniversary.
Emma said: “We’ve got lots of plans to mark this important year in CASWA’s history. It is incredible to look back and to acknowledge the legacy of CASWA as a charity that has been – and continues to be – there for women, children and young people, often in their darkest hours.
“We’ve chosen ‘a light in the dark’ as our theme for the year. This has been inspired by the feedback our team often receives from those supported by our service, acknowledging the role that our charity has played in their lives.”
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