Who we are and what we do
Our History
Women’s Aid East and Midlothian (WAEML) is a charity and company limited by guarantee to provide support, information, advocacy and temporary accommodation to all women (including transwomen), children and young people who have been subjected to domestic abuse.
During the 1970s WAEML operated as part of Edinburgh and Lothian’s Women’s Aid; at the end of 1979 it was clear that the group was receiving enough referrals from the Midlothian area to warrant its own service and therefore a Dalkeith branch with its own office and refuge was established. In 1998, local government re-organisation led to the breakup of the Lothian regions and therefore in 1998 we established as an independent charity, Midlothian Women’s Aid. In 2008, due to financial demands, we made the decision to move from a full collective working structure and re-organised the group to create a structure of project teams led by a collective management group, Women’s Aid (Midlothian) Ltd. In November 2012 we successfully completed a procurement process to extend our services into East Lothian. It was in June 2013 the organisation changed its name to Women’s Aid East and Midlothian Ltd.
Our Strategy
Our Vision
Women and children are free from domestic abuse and the attitudes that help perpetuate it. They enjoy all their human rights and have equal opportunity to explore their ambitions and aspirations.
OUR MISSION
To lead in the delivery of local quality, specialist domestic abuse support that transforms the lives of women, children and young people who have been subjected to domestic abuse.
OUR PURPOSE
To change lives.
To challenge attitudes.
To end domestic abuse.
Empower women, children and young people to use their voice to help shape policy and practice.
Our Team
Our team of expert, specialist staff have decades of collective experience working in the domestic and sexual violence/abuse sector. You can read more about our management and Trustee team below.
Areas of Inclusion
We provide a service to women of all ages, with or without disability, lesbian, bisexual and transgender women and women of different races, religion and faiths.
Within our service we have equality activists who are working to eradicate discrimination, harassment or victimisation. They want to ensure our workplace and service is a safe space for all women, children and young people so that everyone feels safe, welcomed, valued, included and respected.
What's On
WAEML hosts a number of events throughout the year – please take a look on our Eventbrite page where you can book tickets directly.
Funders and Supporters
I need help
Donate
Please take a look on our donations page for details of how you can support our work.
