Covid-19 has been the biggest public health crisis of our lifetime, with its effect likely to continue well into the future. It has forced us all to think differently, live differently and work differently.
The Safespots centre has unfortunately remained closed in order to protect both women coming into the centre and the Safespots Team. As lockdown measures begin to ease, we are looking at how and when we can safely open our doors and welcome women back into the centre.
Though the doors have been closed, we have adapted as a service to ensure women are still able to access support. We have seen a huge increase in the number of calls to the Safespots phone line. These calls have varied in terms of what is required but, we have always strived to do the right thing and at times, this has really pushed the team to work differently and think outside the box. We have in the past 3 months offered our service differently and have helped in a variety of ways from support over the telephone, socially distanced meet ups, moving people to safety, moving furniture, providing food and toiletries, to building a child’s swing and even rushing a family pet to an emergency vet!
Each circumstance is different and therefore each response and intervention has to be different too. We are really proud of the difference we have been able to make during this incredibly difficult time and in the words of one lady, ‘I can’t thank Safespots enough, you have been the rainbow during this storm’.
Our volunteers and supporters have worked incredibly hard during this period, in often really challenging circumstances and for that, we sincerely thank you.
Covid-19 and lockdown measures have resulted in most households staying home but, we have to remember that home isn’t always safe. Covid-19 has presented further barriers to women accessing support around domestic abuse but, to anybody currently suffering at the hands of an abusive partner, know that you are not alone.
Please get in touch on 07873889637 or info@safespots.org.uk and speak to one of the team. Our phone and email are monitored Monday to Friday 10 – 5.
If you are in immediate danger please call 999