FIFE Women’s Aid has secured internet access for its 41 refuges so women and their families fleeing domestic abuse can stay connected during lockdown.

The move, part of a partnership with Fife Council and St Andrews University’s Lumsden Club, follows a surge in calls for help during the coronavirus pandemic.

It means 41 women and 39 children can connect to the internet and maintain contact with family, friends and their community, while youngsters can also access schoolwork.

Kate McCormack, manager at Fife Women’s Aid, said: “We are eternally grateful to everyone involved in making this substantial project a reality.

“Thanks to Fife Council, who have rapidly responded to the lockdown and the impact of this on families experiencing domestic abuse, more women and children are now in safe accommodation.

“We are also in awe of the work of the Lumsden Club, who continue to support and fundraise for us on an ongoing basis. They have increased their efforts during lockdown to fund the installation of internet in our refuges which is an act that will truly transform the lives of families during these most daunting of times."

The council provided six new refuges, taking the total in Fife to 41, while the Lumsden Club helped fund the installation of internet. The work, carried out by Commsworld across all the sites, was completed in less than a week.

In addition, the Women’s Fund for Scotland gave them a grant to purchase tablets for each refuge.

Fife Women’s Aid have a freephone support line on 0808 802 5555 (9am-5pm and 6pm-8am Monday to Friday and 24 hours on Saturday and Sunday). You can also email info@fifewomensaid.org.uk or message them on Facebook. For more information, visit www.fifewomensaid.org.uk.