About
Where it all began
In 1988 a group of local women from Blackburn and Darwen identified a critical gap in support services for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and in 1989 formed Blackburn and Darwen District Women’s Aid (now called the Wish Centre). In 1990 we employed our first staff member who supported the opening of the refuge for women and children in 1991.
In 1998 following many developments it was apparent we needed to open an expanded community base, and the WISH Centre was formally established. This housed an expanding staff and volunteer team, the continuation of our helpline service and new provisions such as children and young people’s support.
Take a look at ‘Our History’ section for more details of our years of growth.
Wish Centre Today
The Wish Centre is a charity and a company limited by guarantee, governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 1st May 2006. Our Board of Trustees is made up of co-opted members who bring a wide range of professional expertise and lived experience to guide and strengthen our work.
Our Purpose
Our aim is to support anyone who has experienced, or is at risk of experiencing, domestic abuse. We do this through the provision of safe accommodation, practical support, advocacy, and specialist advice.
We work alongside individuals and families to promote safety, recovery, and long-term independence, helping each person rebuild their life and reach their full potential.
Our Values
We recognise that domestic abuse can affect anyone in our communities. However, research and frontline experience consistently show that it disproportionately impacts women and girls. Understanding this gendered nature of abuse remains central to our approach.
Since the early 1990s, we have been affiliated with Women’s Aid Federation of England, reflecting the principles of our founders and early trustees, values we continue to uphold today.
At The Wish Centre, we believe that women and girls who experience domestic abuse should have access to safe, supportive spaces where they can recover and rebuild their lives.
This does not mean we exclude male victims. We are committed to ensuring that all individuals who seek help receive appropriate, tailored support and guidance to meet their needs safely and effectively.
Our Commitment
We remain dedicated to providing compassionate, specialist support that empowers people to move from crisis to recovery, and from surviving to thriving.
Accreditations
We are extremely proud to hold two national quality awards, Investors in People and Investing in Children.
Investors in People is awarded to organisations that demonstrate the very best in people management and Investing in Children is given to organisations for good practice and active inclusion of children and young people in dialogue which results in change.
In April 2021 we were announced as one of 10 winners nationwide of the GSK Impact Awards.
The organisation has also achieved full Respect accreditation.