Sophie Hamilton-Pike of Balfour+Manson LLP newly appointed to Grampian Woman's Aid Board
Grampian Woman’s Aid, (GWA) the charity which offers support to women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, has bolstered its board by appointing a family solicitor from one of Scotland’s oldest law firms.
The work of GWA across the city came to the attention of Sophie Hamilton-Pike, a family lawyer with Balfour+Manson, after she attended a seminar/training course run by GWA. Following the training, she expressed an interest in becoming involved with the charity. After a meeting with Alison Hay, they discussed how she could assist GWA both professionally and personally and was asked to consider coming on board as a director.
Alison Hay, manager of Grampian Woman’s Aid believes Sophie Hamilton-Pike’s experience of family law makes her an ideal board appointment to help drive the charity forward across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
She comments:
“At GWA, we have an in-depth and specialist understanding of domestic abuse and its impact informed by over 40 years of listening to and working with women, children and young people. Sophie understands the true emotional and physical value of the work we do. As a board member, she will be an asset to the organisation.”
The GWA Board is all female and made up of women from a variety of professional backgrounds and ages. They will ensure the charity will deliver innovative, effective services for families impacted by domestic abuse by trained professionals who are highly skilled in areas of prevention, training, advocacy and service delivery.
Sophie Hamilton-Pike comments;
“I was delighted to be asked to become a board member of GWA. In my professional capacity, I have a keen interest in women’s and wider family issues so am pleased to be involved with an organisation which plays an integral role in helping to empower families impacted by domestic abuse, so they can move from crisis to safety and independence.”
Grampian Woman’s Aid provides a wide range of practical and emotional support services to women, children and young people including the provision of refuge accommodation, advice on safety, personal financial management, housing, education, legal issues and employment.
Women’s Aid services are underpinned by a gendered analysis of domestic abuse, which is shared by the Scottish Government’s Strategy to End Violence against Women and Girls in Scotland (Equally Safe) and supported by in-depth research.