Charity wins funding to help victims of domestic abuse

Published: 15 May 2020

A charity that supports victims of domestic abuse and vulnerable families has been awarded a grant of £1,000 from the Exeter COVId-19 Community Action Fund.

Baby Bank Network Exeter will use the funding to distribute nappies and clothes to vulnerable families in the city.

Since being set up in March, the Fund has awarded over £93,000 to 60 groups or charities across Exeter.

The Action Fund was launched in tandem with support service Exeter Community Wellbeing. It enables organisations to get rapid access to small grants to allow them to work on local projects to support those people and communities most affected by the pandemic.

Melanie Smith of Baby Bank Network Exeter, said the funding would allow the charity to continue its vital work across the city.

“Before the outbreak, health workers would have popped into the hub to collect items for their clients when they had face-to-face meetings with them, but things have had to change due to these exceptional circumstances.

“Fortunately this money will help us continue this valuable service and allow us to continue supporting the people that need us most by delivering to their homes.”

Cllr Amal Ghussain, Lead Councillor of Equalities, Diversity and Communities, said: “This is another great example of how support networks across the city are pulling together to get us through the pandemic. The work of the Baby Bank Network is crucial to ensure that victims of domestic abuse get the support they need during testing times.”

Other groups that have been awarded money are:

• Exeter Mosque and Cultural Centre - £3,000 to cover the loss of income.
• Paddleboat Theatre CIC - £1,000 towards loss of income and the the delivery of its ‘Theatre With’ model digitally, targeted at primary and special School children and young people with additional needs.
• Exeter Community Centre Trust - £3,000 to cover the loss of income and supporting the St David’s Community Help Scheme
• Samaritans of Exeter, East Devon and Mid Devon - £3,000 to support the loss of income