Pre-loved handbags to support Wiltshire domestic violence victims
Around 50 have been donated at a police conference in Tidworth
Pre-loved handbags have been collected in Tidworth, with the aim of helping domestic violence victims in Wiltshire.
Around 50 bags and hundreds of toiletries have been donated by people who attended a Wiltshire Police conference, which was to discuss efforts to tackle violence against women and girls.
It's part of the Love Grace campaign, which takes in handbags and fills them with essential everyday items and given to females fleeing abuse.
Toothpaste, toothbrush, shower gel, shampoo, deodorant, wipes, plasters, soap, lip balm, cotton buds, torch, hairbrush/comb, make-up, gloves and scarf are among the items included as sometimes victims escape without any time to pack or prepare.
Love Grace was set up by the family of Grace Millane, who was tragically murdered whilst travelling in New Zealand in December 2018.
Grace loved a handbag and her family wanted to create a legacy in her memory.
Detective Inspector Penny Andrews, Vice Chair of the Wiltshire Police Connect Leadership Team, said:
“These handbags, full of everyday essentials to help women who are at a challenging time in their lives, is such a great idea. It gives life to a bag which may otherwise be thrown out and, more importantly, it helps those women who may be feeling vulnerable. It lets them know they are being thought about and a little kindness goes a long way. It is a wonderful way to ensure the legacy of Grace lives on.
“We are really happy to be able to support the Love Grace appeal to help them help others and to pass these handbags on to our partners to help more women in our communities."