Helping Survivors of Domestic Abuse to ‘reclaim’ themselves and feel good!
Here at MAST, we work alongside schools to support children to access education, through training and broad support to school systems, individual work with children, young people and families, therapeutic intervention and reducing barriers to development and learning. However, we are also deeply committed to working with the wider community and other agencies to support change, and we know that supporting children and young people is often about strengthening the networks around them; families, parents and carers.
When adults are living in abusive relationships there is an emotional impact on children however hard family members strive to protect them from this. Often leaving the situation can feel an impossible step due to practical, financial and emotional constraints, and the very real fear of escalation of the violence, increased threat and even death.
Imagine taking the brave step of leaving home, friends, family, pets and your ‘known’ life and taking your children to a place of safety because you just cannot take any more. Probably unplanned, urgent and when you have hit ‘rock-bottom’, there is no room for anything other than essentials … and your make-up bag just does not compare in value to your child’s much-loved teddy or gaming device.
Sanctuary Supported Living’s Plymouth Domestic Abuse Service (PDAS) provide practical, non-judgemental support, advice and protection for all victims of domestic abuse. They offer a wide range of help to individuals and families in the Plymouth area, including confidential advice, one-to-one and group support sessions, and a refuge. Here you will be welcomed, supported and offered a place of safety. But, you have virtually nothing to support you to start a new life…
With this in mind, and alongside donations of new and unused cosmetic items and toiletries from friends and family, staff at MAST have recently had a post-Christmas check-out of any gifts that are less than a perfect ‘fit’ for them but may be exactly the item that would give a real boost to someone else’s day! This week we have been able to donate 2 large bags of toiletries and cosmetics which we hope will express our solidarity and support for parents escaping domestic abuse and offer a ‘lift’ and much needed boost to feelings of self-esteem and wellbeing.
PDAS are always on the lookout for regular donations, and to continue to support them we will have a collection box in the office at 1 Lower Compton Road, PL3 5DH.
Anti-bacterial gel, baby powder, baby wipes, bath bombs, body wash, breast pads, bubble bath, conditioner, cosmetics, cotton buds, cotton wool pads, dental floss, deodorant – aerosol, deodorant - roll-on, eye cream, fabric conditioner’, face packs, flannel, hair gel, hair mousse, hair spray, hair ties and pins, hairbrush/comb, hand sanitiser, incontinence pads, lip-balm, makeup, makeup remover, moisturiser, mouthwash, nail clippers, nail polish, nappies, perfume, sanitary products, shampoo, shaving foam, shower gel, soap, sponge, sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste, towels, tweezers, washing powder.
If you are considering purchasing products to donate it may be worth contacting PDAS on the number below to ensure that they have the range of products that they need.
If you would like to make your own donations, they can be accepted via post or in person - if you have any queries, you can contact PDAS on 0800 458 2558 (Freephone).
And to find out more … Plymouth Domestic Abuse Service - Toiletries Amnesty
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