MBE for dedicated Women's Aid stalwart

A woman who has tirelessly worked to improve the lives of '¨domestic abuse victims has been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Lorraine McKenzie says the award is a recognition of the work carried out by the whole team at East Dunbartonshire Womens Aid.Lorraine McKenzie says the award is a recognition of the work carried out by the whole team at East Dunbartonshire Womens Aid.
Lorraine McKenzie says the award is a recognition of the work carried out by the whole team at East Dunbartonshire Womens Aid.

Administrator for East Dunbartonshire Women’s Aid, Lorraine McKenzie (66), has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s 90th year for services to vulnerable women and children.

During the past 30 years, the Milton of Campsie woman has been the driving force behind the provision and management of purpose-built Women’s Aid 
refuges.

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The WA service was much in demand but it was apparent that more practical help was necessary, specifically emergency protection for those under physical threat.

She started campaigning for a refuge and her efforts were eventually rewarded by the 
offer of council premises 
consisting of two flats in a 
condemned building.

In 1987, with a threat of demolition she made a case with the council and in 1988 obtained a second refuge.

Ten years later, a purpose-built third refuge became the first permanent one opened.

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With demand high, another refuge was needed and in 2005 a second new-build was opened in Bishopbriggs.

Lorraine told the Herald: “We currently have 12 
family spaces throughout East 
Dunbartonshire.”

In the years she has been 
involved with East Dunbartonshire WA thousands of 
women have been given advice or support.

Of these, according to the Scottish Office, 690 women and 950 children have been helped to find refuge accommodation and more than 500 women, and 670 children have been admitted to an East Dunbartonshire WA refuge.

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As a committee member she helped set up the first local Citizens’ Advice Bureaux . She was also Treasurer of Scottish WA (SWA), for many years.

Lorraine added: “It was quite a shock to be awarded an MBE but I am very pleased as it is not just for me but is a recognition of the work that this whole group has carried out over the past 34 years.”