As the festive season draws closer many of us will be looking forward to a break from work and spending time with family. However, we know that for many suffering domestic abuse, this time of the year can be the most dangerous, with the police reporting that calls for support rise dramatically over the Christmas break. In case any of your staff need help over the coming weeks, below is a reminder on some of the services on hand to support.
Safe Spaces
UK SAYS NO MORE is working with Boots UK, Superdrug pharmacies, Morrisons pharmacies and independent pharmacies across the UK to provide Safe Spaces in their consultation rooms for people experiencing domestic abuse. Safe Spaces are open and ready for use and more information can be found here.
How to access a Safe Space:
· Walk into any participating pharmacy in the UK
· Ask at the healthcare counter to use their Safe Space
· A pharmacist will show you to the Safe Space, which will be the consultancy room
· Once inside, you will find displayed specialist domestic abuse support information for you to access, to make that call or access Bright Sky safely
Additionally, Online Safe Spaces have recently been launched in conjunction with Royal Mail and the Post Office. The Online Safe Spaces widget can easily be integrated in to any website. Find out more here.
Bright Sky
Victims of domestic abuse can now access vital support through a new website by crisis support charity Hestia that sits alongside the Bright Sky app.
Bright Sky is a resource for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who
is worried about someone else. It has become an essential tool during the lockdown restrictions for victims isolating with their abusive partner.
For more information, please visit the website or download the app from the relevant app store.
Helplines
IF YOU WANT TO ACCESS SUPPORT YOU CAN CONTACT:
National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge – 0808 2000 247 www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors,
run by Respect – 0808 801 0327
https://mensadviceline.org.uk/
The Mix, free information and support for under 25s in the UK – 0808 808 4994
https://www.themix.org.uk/
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Galop – 0800 999 5428
http://www.galop.org.uk/how-we-can-help/
Samaritans (24/7 service) - 116 123
https://www.samaritans.org/
NSPCC/Childline - 0808 800 5000
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/domestic-abuse/
Women’s Aid – Support for Women & Children https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/useful-links/
NFDA supports EIDA: for more information and to become part of the initiative, please visit https://eida.org.uk/
