Marking a Meaningful Partnership with Su McConnel

Our partnership with Su McConnel, Chair of Monmouthshire County Council (2024–2025), recently came to an end—marking the close of a fantastic year of support. When we first met Su, we were struck by the passion behind her decision to support Cyfannol Women’s Aid. Hearing about her experiences working within the Justice System, and her deep understanding of the impact of violence and abuse against women and girls, made it clear that this was more than a symbolic partnership—it was personal and heartfelt. 

This was a first-of-its-kind partnership for Cyfannol, opened incredible opportunities. It enabled us to develop dedicated TV adverts; design dedicated fundraising posters and videos and expand our fundraising efforts—including securing more donation tubs. 

Through Su’s JustGiving page, more than £1,240 (including Gift Aid) has already been raised, and with 16 fundraising tubs still to be collected, this total is expected to grow even further. Su has been an incredible advocate for our work, helping raise awareness and launching meaningful initiatives—including our very first podcast, When Women Support Women… 

 Su shared her reflections on supporting Cyfannol: 

May 2025 saw the end of my year as Chair of Monmouthshire County Council, during which Cyfannol was the official “Chair’s Charity”. I had no hesitation in picking Cyfannol to support after a long career in the Justice System where I saw first-hand how violence and abuse against women and girls blights so many lives and our communities, and the important work that you do. It was so encouraging to learn more about the positivity and hope that Cyfannol brings to its work, and to the individuals it supports. 

The annual Gwent Music Showcase gave us the opportunity to raise funds, as we did also at the Council’s Carol Service. Earlier in the year I battled through outrageously bad weather to join in with supporters packing “Hampers for Hope” in time for Christmas. 

That I was making Cyfannol “my” charity for the year was welcomed across Monmouth County Council. As I have said many times over the year, violence and abuse of women and girls affects us all. We all have either experienced it ourselves, or know people who have, sometimes even if we don’t know it. 

It meant a lot to me to be able to help, in however small a way, with your important work, Cyfannol, and to support the skilled kindness that you all bring to it. Your kindness and care have soaked into your buildings and emanates from all of you.

We’re so grateful to Su McConnel for her dedication, warmth, and determination throughout the year—and for choosing to stand with Cyfannol. Her support has helped us reach more people and spark more conversations across our communities.