Berkshire Women's Aid gifted £500 grant from Tesco

As lockdown starts to ease, BWA (Berkshire Women’s Aid) has seen the demand for shelter increase sharply as those living with abuse have more opportunity to make contact.

READ ALSO: West Berkshire nurse organises online auction to raise money for Reading's Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.

However, with restrictions still in place on public donations of goods usually gifted to support victims, costs have risen.

Andrea West, CEO of BWA, said: “This extra funding has enabled us to buy much-needed bedding, nightwear, towels, toiletries and so on to ensure victims and their families have a safe and comfortable place to recover, and rebuild their lives at a time of crisis and danger.

“We would like to thank Tesco for supporting us to carry on our work – this donation will support upwards of 100 women and children across the county.

"We would encourage other organisations to apply for a grant too.

“We’d also encourage people living with abuse to contact our helpline on 0118 950 4003 or visit www.berkshirewomensaid.org.uk for help.”

READ ALSO: Reading personal trainer helps nation keep fit with Lucozade Sport's Keep Us Moving initiative.

Tesco has received more than 3,000 applications for grants of £500 from groups and charities to its Bags of Help COVID-19 Community Fund.

The fund is part of a £30m package Tesco recently announced that aims to support as many groups as possible across the country with grants of £500.

As well as refuges, this includes foodbanks, hospices, homeless charities, social isolation groups, schools, charities supporting the elderly and local authorities.

Tesco’s Head of Community Claire De Silva said: “There are so many people facing such uncertainty at the moment, so the Bags of Help grants we are able to provide will help ease the strain where it’s needed.”

The process is managed through partner charity Groundwork’s website www.tescobagsofhelp.org.uk.