– Advertisement –
A film that helped Manchester Women’s Aid provide vital new play areas for children fleeing domestic violence is in the running for a national award.
Kate’s Story: Transforming the Lives of Children in Refuge was made in collaboration with women living in refuge across Manchester, and was told entirely in their own words.
Produced by Manchester-based independent production company Films Not Words, it helped the charity raise over £20,000 in just one week as part of a flash crowdfunding campaign.
The Smiley Charity Film Awards 2026
Now, it has been entered into the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2026, the world’s leading campaign celebrating films for good, and is calling on the public to vote and help their film win.
Commissioned as part of Manchester Women’s Aid/ The Pankhurst Trust’s 50th anniversary campaign, the four-minute film focuses on the real-life experiences of women fleeing violence and going into refuge with their children.
Brought to life by actor Hayley Doherty, the words are taken entirely from interviews with real-life survivors across the city who describe the reality of having to flee for their lives with nothing, and the impact that has on their children.
Encouraging women to take a step towards safety
Manchester Women’s Aid helping children too
The aim of the film was not only to reassure and encourage women who may be thinking of taking that first step towards safety, but also to help the charity raise vital funds for safe and vibrant play areas for children who arrive in refuge.
A £20,000 target that was smashed within just one week as part of a Big Give campaign – with work on new play areas already underway.
Now, supporters in Manchester could help the charity receive national recognition for the film and its work, by voting for it as part of the prestigious Smiley Charity Film Awards.
Perfectly captures the impact of domestic abuse
Ashleigh Saville, MWA Project Manager said: “This film perfectly captured the impact that domestic abuse has on women and children and how going into refuge is the first step to freedom.
“We are so proud that it has been entered for a Smiley Charity Film Award, it is recognition of all the hard work by everyone at Manchester Women’s Aid to give women and children the prospect of a life free from abuse.”
Manchester Women’s Aid being recognised
Director of the short film Helen Tither, of Films Not Words, said: “The work that Manchester Women’s Aid do to provide a new life for women and children fleeing violence is amazing, and we are thrilled they are being recognised in this way.
“It was really important to all of us that the women actually living in refuge be heard, and we are so proud of every survivor who contributed to this film in any way. It would be amazing if the people of Manchester could show their support by watching, voting and sharing.”
Now in its ninth year, the Smiley Charity Film Awards is the world’s largest platform for films with purpose, celebrating creativity, compassion, and positive change.
Vote for Manchester’s Women’s Aid
Vote for Manchester Women’s Aid/ The Pankhurst Trust here. Voting closes 30th January 2026.
– Advertisement –