In a bid to increase the number of locations victims of domestic abuse can seek confidential help, HSBC in Burnley has signed up to the Safe Spaces initiative in partnership with Hestia Charity.
They join three other pharmacies currently offering the service.
The Initiative provides a safe space for any person who is experiencing domestic abuse, with consultation rooms opened up to provide a safe and discrete way to reach out to friends and family, and contact specialist support services should they be required.
Visiting the branch to talk about the scheme local MP Antony Higginbotham said:
It’s crucial that perpetrators of domestic abuse face the full force of the law. But for this to happen we need to ensure victims feel safe coming forward to speak up.
That can be really difficult and is why it’s so important we have schemes like the Safe Space Initiative at HSBC to allow both men and women to tell their story in a discrete and safe way.
By asking to access the safe space, victims will be able to speak with family, friends or the police to get the support they need. And there’s also the AskAni Scheme operating across the borough, and a discreet app which can be downloaded called Bright Sky.
Please, if you are experiencing domestic abuse, don’t suffer in silence. Come forward through one of the many channels available and support will be provided.
HSBC says it is contacted by two customers every day on average mentioning domestic or financial abuse, and about a third of these are people looking to separate their joint finances.
To access any safe space simply walk into one of the following locations and ask a member of staff at the counter to use their safe space. You’ll then be shown to a private room where you can reach out to friends and family or contact specialist support services to start your journey to recovery.
HSBC BURNLEY
12 Manchester Road Burnley Lancashire BB11 1JH
WELL PHARMACY – BURNLEY – BROWHEAD ROAD
4 Browhead Road, Burnley, Lancashire, BB103BF
BOOTS BURNLEY ST JAMES ST
51 ST. JAMES'S ST, Burnley, BB11 1QL
BOOTS BURNLEY CROWTHER ST
16 CROWTHER ST, Burnley, BB11 3ND
