Jo Brand, Derby Women's Centre patron since 1994
DWC patron says women at a real risk if centre were to close
Comedian Jo Brand has added her voice to calls to save Derby Women’s Centre from Derby City Council’s proposed funding cuts.
Brand said in a statement:
The assurance of a women-only environment, the confidentiality and non-judgemental welcome all women receive needs to continue in Derby. Any suggestion of a reduced service or closure amounts to women at real risk of having nowhere else to go or denied the choice of where to go.
As many of you already know, last September the council announced they would cut our funding from March. Following a consultation with the public, the final decision of cabinet members is due in February.
Brand, best known for her stand up act and appearances on Have I got news for you and QI, has been a patron of Derby Women’s Centre since 1994. She said:
What I most admire about the DWC is that women really do use it. In any year the centre helps around 3000 women through any number of personal difficulties and that includes domestic violence, sexual abuse – yes things we don’t always want to talk about.” She added: “It’s been my privilege to support the Derby Women’s Centre since 1994 and I’m not going away!
Brand’s comments follow a recent statement from Glenis Willmott MEP, who said that closure of the Derby Women’s Centre would “impact on the family as a whole and at a time of increasing economic hardship.”
Brand also praised the “skilled and dedicated” staff at the centre.
A big thank you to Jo from everyone at the centre for all her support over the years.
