Honour for woman helping survivors hold their heads high

AN inspirational woman who used her own experiences of domestic abuse to help those in similar situations has been honoured for her efforts.

Evanton native Rachael Bews (26) was determined to ensure that women who fled their partners with nothing would not be left to rely on cast-off clothes.

She felt that being handed old clothes in plastic bin-bags was doing little to boost their self-confidence as they strove to free themselves of past troubles at Women’s Aid shelters.

And seeing that fashion houses were burning or destroying brand new clothes every time old lines were replaced, she decided to set up a social enterprise that would cut such waste while ensuring abuse survivors were given a confidence boost by being able to wear up-to-date fashions.

She founded Alicas in February this year to provide women fleeing abusive relationships with bespoke clothing parcels from stores that would otherwise be throwing the items away.

And the Inverness College UHI graduate, who received a first-class degree in Business and Management four years ago, has just been named its Alumnus of the Year in recognition of her work.

Ms Bews said: "Alicas is an innovative solution to solve some of the most pressing social and environmental issues of our time. When I found myself fleeing from an abusive partner, I was lucky that I was able to take most of my belongings with me. Yet many women flee with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

"When I saw the well meaning, but often inappropriate clothing donations women relied on, I knew I had to do more."

The inspiration behind her social enterprise start-up has its roots in a friendship she formed as an 18-year-old. She met an older woman called Ali who had travelled north to escape an abusive relationship. Ms Bews was amazed how positive and strong this woman was despite everything she had been through.

Ali told Ms Bews that a good coat and a pair of shoes meant she could take her children to school and apply for work with dignity as she rebuilt her life.

Years later Ms Bews found herself fleeing from an abusive relationship in Italy in which she feared for her life.

Upon returning home to Ross-shire she was able to receive help from a support worker at Women’s Aid. It was then she noticed that donated unwanted clothes in bin bags were all that were available to women who needed new clothing.

And remembering Ali’s mantra that good clothes and shoes boosted her confidence, Ms Bews decided to act. Indeed, the name Alicas was inspired by Ali – and stands for Ali’s Coat And Shoes.

Women’s Aid is supportive of the work of Alicas. Dr Marsha Scott, the chief executive of Women’s Aid, said: "Clothing is important – it is essential – and yet in some situations women are forced to flee an abusive partner with nothing.

"We applaud the mission of Alicas in completing the work that is already undertaken by Women’s Aid groups up and down the country supporting women and children often in crisis situations."

Alicas launched a #Tagsto10k project in September this year. Some 10,000 items of new and unused clothing with the tags still on are being sought in order to complete their pilot. This project will see 300 parcels of 30 items being delivered to women in clothing crisis across Scotland. It is hoped this target is achieved by Christmas.

If you would like to donate to Alicas visit www.alicas.co.uk