A Swindon woman's charity that aims to help people rebuild their lives after domestic abuse and trauma has had a bespoke website built for it after winning a competition. 

Local creative agency GEL Studios began a search for a worthy recipient and Emma King's Swindon Sisters Alliance Community Interest Company (CIC) was chosen by a panel of notable town figures. 

The mobile-friendly website worth over £5,000 officially went live on Thursday.

It gives the CIC a more modern and professional look, helping them to communicate more effectively with victims and families that have suffered from the effects of domestic abuse, suicide, homicide and coercive behaviour.

The site will also allow visitors to make donations directly to the organisation.

“From start to finish, GEL Studios have been incredibly professional and accommodating in their work with us. They took on board all our creative input and the end product is just what we need," said Emma, the CIC's founder. 

"We're so grateful to GEL Studios for their help. With the now surplus funding that would’ve gone into a new website, we will be able to put more resources into continuing the important work we do in supporting domestic abuse victims and helping those who have experienced homicide, suicide or coercive behaviour.”

Emma, 40, from Penhill started the organisation in memory of her sister Julie, who was murdered by her husband in 2005. 

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In October 2021, GEL Studios launched the competition, where one local good cause would win the bespoke new website.

After a judging process in January 2022, the panel, including GEL Studios managing director Graeme Leighfield North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, Swindon Town Football Club CEO Rob Angus. Born Again Swindonian Angela Atkinson, Swindon 105.5 Station Manager Shirley Ludford and New Elements Rod Hebden chose Swindon Sisters Alliance. 

Mr Leighfield said: “Emma has such a poignant story. She's been through a number of life-changing experiences. She has turned those into a truly inspirational project that makes a difference to those who are facing or have faced Domestic Violence.

“Working with the people at Swindon Sisters Alliance has been a great experience for the whole team. Everyone at GEL was determined to produce the best website possible and we can’t wait to watch Swindon Sisters Alliance flourish."