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19 January 2024
On Thursday, 18th January a group of St Margaret’s pupils had the honour of meeting Her Majesty Queen Camilla at the official opening of a domestic abuse Safe Space at Aberdeen Art Gallery.
The group of III Senior pupils represented Grampian Women’s Aid in their Youth Philanthropy Initiative presentations. Impressed by the depth of work, thought, and care which they had put into their project, Aileen Forbes, manager of Grampian Women’s Aid invited the team to be with her at this important event at which Queen Camilla spoke with each girl. Afterwards, Aileen reflected that “they had shared their passion for their project and views of violence against women in an eloquent way.”
Grampian Women’s Aid was established in 1977 and work within a framework of recognising the gendered nature of domestic abuse and violence against women, which is routed in gender inequality. They believe that all women, children and young people have the right to live free from abuse. The development of their service provision over the last 40 plus years has been guided by the women, children and young people that they have supported.
The recently established Safe Space within the Gallery will be managed by individuals who have undergone specialised training in mental health awareness and domestic abuse. This designated area serves as a place for those seeking assistance or for those who simply need it for contemplation and reflection.
Her Majesty also spoke with artist, Shelagh Swanson, whose artwork draws inspiration from her journey as a survivor of domestic abuse. The artwork is prominently displayed, visible both internally and externally, symbolising the venue as a safe space for anyone.
At St Margaret’s School for Girls they strive to support girls to develop self-assurance and compassion in order that they can engage constructively with the harder aspects of life and show care and consideration when working with others in the wider community. The school is very proud of Eva, Lena, Libby, Mary-Kate and Sophie.
