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Our History

Solace Women’s Aid formed in June 2007 following the merger of Camden, Enfield and Islington Women’s Aid. Each organisation had over 30 years experience of delivering domestic violence services and were well established as domestic violence services.

 In 2005, Solas Anois (Irish and Traveller Women’s Domestic Violence Service) successfully joined Camden Women’s Aid and is now a vibrant part of Solace Women’s Aid. Our successful Irish Traveller outreach service ensures that this community has good supported access to all our refuges including our specialist refuge.   Islington Women’s Aid was established in 1975. Work towards a merge began in 2005. They publicised their desire to find a merge partner and chose Camden Women’s Aid, reflecting the strength of both organisations and the similarity in vision and ethos.  Enfield Women’s Aid was established in 1984. In 2006, Enfield Women’s Aid approached CWA to assist with the management of their refuge and outreach services. The success of the partnership is reflected in their agreement to join up with the merger.  The rationale for the merger was that by combining the resources, experience and expertise of Camden, Enfield and Islington Women’s Aids, Solace Women’s Aid will increase the long term sustainability of women-focused/governed domestic violence services in London, and will be better able to support survivors through:  

The organisation will have greater influence on policy and practice by

Together the management committees of the three organisations form the new Board of Trustees working within an agreed constitutional framework. The detailed work of the Board takes place in the sub groups: finance, human resources, women and children service users and PR & Development.  

Solace Women’s Aid has a new staff structure, similar to our previous structures but with increased management support. The Director leads the organisation, working with two Assistant Directors, responsible for the community services team and the refuge services team. We employ over 80 staff delivering refuge and community services across London. We continue to value our community base and partnership work with a wide range of community, voluntary and statutory services to enable us to deliver effective support to women and children.