Go-ahead for 'grab bags' scheme to help Hartlepool victims of domestic violence

The Safer Hartlepool Partnership has approved proposals to use up to £5,000 of funding offered by the Tees Valley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to provide ‘grab bags’ for domestic abuse victims.

The bags would be for those who are forced to flee an abusive situation and would provide essentials items such as toiletries, underwear, pyjamas, a change of clothes and a pay-as-you-go mobile phone with £10 credit.

Cllr Shane Moore, Hartlepool Borough Council leader and chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, praised the scheme and the benefits it can have.

He also noted it was positive that it would be helping both men and women who suffer from domestic violence.

Cllr Moore said: “Personally I think it’s a really good scheme and it’s a good use of this funding.

“Although we appreciate that the vast majority of those fleeing domestic violence may be women, it is important of us to stress that this is available for anybody fleeing, we don’t want to make people feel unwelcome if they need help.”

Council officers said each ‘grab bag’ would cost an estimated £85 to £95 and the scheme would provide vital help to vulnerable people.

Cllr John Tennant also praised the scheme for the support it will provide both sexes escaping domestic violence.

He said: “I think it’s fantastic such a kind contribution has been made towards this and it should be incredibly valuable for those who absolutely need it.”

Council officers added the reason for the scheme is that domestic violence is one of the partnership’s three key priorities for 2020/21, and the recent strategic assessment has identified that it ‘remains a significant issue’.

The funding for the delivery of the initiative will be forwarded to Harbour, who provide specialist domestic abuse services in Hartlepool.

They will then purchase and provide the bags and make them available to those who need them on arrival at their refuge or emergency accommodation.

Council chiefs at the meeting also thanked the Tees Valley CCG for making the one-off grant contribution of up to £5,000 for 2020/21 to help the community.

Karen Hawkins, from Tees Valley CCG, said: “We felt it was really important that we were able to contribute to the delivery of the priorities, being a member of the community safety partnership.”

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