A film created by Staffordshire Women's Aid has been awarded the Gold Judges Award in the £1m–£2.5m category of the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2026.

Beginning in the 1970s, the film showcases the work the charity has done to support women and children over the past 50 years.

Produced by female-led company Tinker Taylor, it explores the experiences of women during key historical events such as the 1980s miners' strikes and the millennium celebrations.

The Smiley Awards champion films made by charities, helping them to reach a larger audience than would otherwise be possible.

Staffordshire Women's Aid opened in 1976 and has been providing refuge, counselling and practical help to victims of domestic and sexual abuse ever since.

Today, their support is needed as much as ever with the charity's helpline receiving over 2000 calls in 2025.

'Celebrating 50 Years of Staffordshire Women's Aid' was made with funding from the Santander Foundation and with the backing of the Media Trust.

CEO of Staffordshire Women's Aid, Charlotte Almond, said: "We are so incredibly proud that Staffordshire Women's Aid has been awarded Gold.

advertisement

"This film is a tribute to the passionate and dedicated women who established our charity 50 years ago, to the many women who have carried our mission forward and most of all to the brave women and children who have trusted us with their lives.

"For as long as we're needed, we'll always be here."

Click here to watch the film.