The Ely branch of the Mothers’ Union will be joining members worldwide to campaign against gender-based violence.

‘Sixteen Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ is a global campaign that runs until December 10 - starting on International Day of Violence against Women and ending on International Human Rights Day.

The city’s branch of the Mothers’ Union will be donating toiletries and emergency toilet bags to women’s shelters for women who have had to leave their homes at short notice because of domestic violence.

Closer to Christmas, the members will also be collecting high street vouchers as gifts for these vulnerable women. They will also be placing decorated Christmas trees in churches as markers to raise awareness of the campaign, and for prayer.

Diocesan president, Susan Baker said: “The Mother’s Union believes that it is really important to raise awareness of gender-based violence and to support victims in every community worldwide.

“Here, in Ely Diocese, we have the opportunity to offer practical support and care to those women who need it, and we will continue to raise awareness in our parishes about the campaign.”

Lucy Frazer, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for South East Cambridgeshire said “Helping vulnerable women at home and abroad is important and it is great that voluntary organisations like the Mothers’ Union are providing support to women who need protecting.”