Francis Drake of York lodge 7825 has recently donated £1000 to the Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS), a charity based in York. This follows a previous donation to the York Women's Counselling Services and underlines the lodge's commitment to community engagement and supporting local good causes that make a huge difference to families and people living in York.

IDAS started life as York Women's Aid in the 1970s at a time when domestic abuse was seen to be more acceptable than it is today. They support and accommodate anyone who is subject to domestic abuse or sexual violence, having expanded their remit in 2007 to include male victims. More information can be found at https://idas.org.uk/

Speaking about the impact the contribution will make, IDAS said "Each year, we need to raise around £150,000 so that we can provide essential services that are not covered by our mainstream funding. These include some children's activities, recovery groups that support survivors to overcome the devastating impacts of abuse, and emergency expenses so that people who are trapped at home are able to flee. We also provide emergency refuge accommodation in the City of York, for families that need to flee abuse and have nowhere else to turn to. The generous donation from Francis Drake of York Freemasons' lodge will help us to continue to provide our life-changing, often lifesaving, services and support."

Specialist roles in the organisation such as the Older Persons, Military and Health, Individual Domestic Violence Advisors have allowed them to focus on specific communities, working collaboratively with partners to increase awareness within the community. IDAS also provides specialist services to support children and families or any young person who has been affected by domestic abuse to rebuild relationships between parents and children.

Pictured is Worshipful Master Colin Fenwick and Alicia, representing IDAS.