Having worked on PR with Safe in Sussex since earlier this year, I was delighted to learn that The Body Shop, Littlehampton, have recently supported the project through a team of volunteers who offered to help decorate the building.
Amber House is the latest project from Safe in Sussex and will offer a new approach to supporting people experiencing domestic abuse at the earliest stage possible. Instead of a refuge hidden in the community, Amber House will be visible and recognisable, and able to offer a full range of services all under one roof. The aim of this assistance is to stop domestic abuse through working with the whole family.
Jimmy Beenie, from The Body Shop, organised a total of 60 staff volunteers from all departments to give their time to help paint both the house and the drop-in centre. This not only speeded up the proposed opening time for Amber House, but also meant Safe in Sussex could then also use precious funds in other vital areas of the project.
The house has been converted into living accommodation for up to 5 women, with a shared lounge area, large kitchen and family bathrooms. Amber House also benefits from a small, courtyard garden area leading to a drop-in centre with private meeting space for confidential discussions.
Jimmy said, “It was really great to be able to get involved in such a worthwhile cause, and all of our volunteers were keen to play their part in making the project a success for our local area.”
Through Amber House, women and their families will have a safe place to turn too, and with dedicated and trained staff on hand, they can seek the support they need to re-build their lives, within their community so they are not parted from family, friends, schools or other essential links. The house will be professionally protected working closely with the police just like the other refuges do, as safety will be the highest priority.
Safe in Sussex currently offers local support to people experiencing Domestic Abuse providing both vital out of area confidential refuge for those in immediate danger and early advice through their successful Freedom Programme.
For more information please contact www.safeinsussex.co.uk