Posted on 28 November 2022
Supporting women affected by domestic abuse
As part of the 16 Days of Action against domestic abuse, we’re supporting victims in Chichester.
After hearing that My Sisters’ House in Chichester was facing increasing demand for its services, Hyde’s Fundraising Manager, Nimi Shephard-Patel, was determined to find a way to help support victims of domestic abuse in Chichester.
My Sisters’ House is a dedicated centre for women, specialising in supporting women who are living with or are in recovery from domestic abuse.
Nimi started working with Hyde’s Advocacy Advisor, Melanie Smith, and they supported a project with the Rotary Club in Chichester to provide Christmas sacks to vulnerable women and children across Chichester, including those affected by domestic abuse. The project has got bigger and due to demand the sacks are now also supporting My Sisters’ House. The Christmas sacks are filled with essentials and Christmas treats including toiletries, food vouchers, cold weather accessories, socks and underwear.
Nimi and Melanie have supported the Rotary Club’s Christmas sack drive by organising local donations including a large delivery from a toy factory, extremely generous donations of treats from Morrisons, and a donation of chocolate from The Anglesey Arms pub in Halnaker, Chichester.
On realising how much mothers in Chichester needed support, Nimi approached Aspire – Hyde’s Women’s Group - to help the project. Aspire is now raising funds for gifts to go to mothers who are likely to receive nothing else this year.
Nimi said: “My Sisters’ House is one of our partners and provides vital services to many of our customers who find themselves affected by domestic abuse. I could see the services are overwhelmed at the moment, so wanted to do what I could to help – which involved working with the Chichester Rotary Club to provide Christmas sacks to families.
“This made me see how much mothers are forgotten – mothers who are determined to give gifts to their children at Christmas, but receive nothing themselves. Thanks to Aspire, we are now raising funds to give gifts to mothers in Chichester.”
Visit our domestic abuse pages for information and resources.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic abuse you can access help and support from the National Domestic Violence Helpline, Women’s Aid and Refuge on 0808 2000 247.
If you or others are in immediate danger, phone the police on 999.