Hundreds of victims of domestic abuse have been given a welcome boost thanks to the generosity of Cumbrian businesses and their customers.
More than £10,000-worth of toiletries and skincare products were donated during this year’s Regifting Beauty campaign run by Carlisle-based VL Aesthetics.
The scheme sees people donating their unwanted beauty products and toiletries, so they can be given to survivors of domestic abuse.
This year was the first time that the scheme joined forces with Cumbria police and its officers dealing with domestic abuse, to help return some sense of normalcy to victims’ lives.
Offences involving domestic abuse rose from 506 in November to 541 in December – a rise of almost seven per cent in the run up to Christmas.
The campaign was launched in 2020 and this year’s scheme has been the most successful yet.
Products will now to be shared between The Freedom Project West Cumbria, which supports between 280 and 300 female victims of domestic abuse a year, and women’s centres that are supported by Cumbria Constabulary, including Carlisle Gateway for Women, Women Out West and Barrow Women’s Community Matters.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Belshaw was involved in the campaign through his former role as the lead officer in Cumbria police for the issue of violence against women and girls.
He said: “It’s wonderful to see the response to such a worthwhile cause – and we’re glad to have played our part supporting it.
“The response within the police force itself to this campaign was overwhelming, with our own officers and staff donating hundreds of items.
“I’d like to thank everyone who generously gave something. These items will hopefully offer some comfort to people who have gone through – or are going through – a terrible time in their lives.”
Vicky Pike is manager of The Freedom Project West Cumbria. She said: “We are always so grateful to be involved with the scheme. If people could see our clients using the products and taking them away… it’s really uplifting to watch and see the difference it is making to women.
“We are grateful every year because it means this is a little extra service that we can provide.”
The Freedom Project puts all of the donated items in decorative boxes, and invites the women to help themselves to whatever they wish. Despite this, most of those offered the opportunity will only take one or two items, as they are unused to spoiling themselves.
“Some counsellors take clients to help them choose,” Vicky said. “When it comes to make-up and presentation, some women haven’t been allowed to wear make-up or choose their own clothes for some time and it’s scary when given that choice again.
“I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated: I just wish we could share what their faces are like when they get them, so people can see the real impact of their generosity. It is life-changing.”
VL Aesthetics clinic owner Vanessa Brown said: “Regifting Beauty 2024 has surpassed all expectations.
“We collected more than 50 overflowing boxes and we are truly overwhelmed and we can’t quite believe it.
“A special thank you to The Body Shop for their incredible contributions, attributing to four collections, and to Tesco and Morrisons for their overflowing trolley of donations.”
