QE Charitable Funds launch grab bag project for domestic abuse victims

QE Charitable Funds, the charity arm of Gateshead Health NHS Trust, is launching a special fundraising initiative, designed to help vulnerable patients who are victims of domestic abuse.

The idea for the project came about after a pregnant patient came to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s maternity department, after fleeing domestic abuse. The Trust’s safeguarding team then helped her to a place of safety.

The ‘Grab Bag’ project will help fund the provision of basic necessities for these patients, which will be distributed via the hospital’s domestic violence safeguarding team.

The ‘Grab Bag’ will include basic essential items including clothing, toiletries, a mobile phone, a snack/drink and a travel voucher using the Trust’s patient transport service.

These will be given to vulnerable patients fleeing domestic abuse on their discharge to a place of safety.

Charitable Funds manager, Clare King, said “On behalf of the charity, I would like to say a big thank you to Casa Rosa, Birtley who have kindly volunteered to fundraise and have recently held a fantastic afternoon of Halloween face painting for children’s trick or treating.”

“I would also like to thank Morrisons Blaydon and Morrisons Birtley for their continuous support and for the donations, which have helped us set up this initiative and purchase some of the contents for the bags.

“Finally, I would like to thank QE Transport who has shown incredible support by donating travel vouchers to ensure our patients are transported securely to their place of safety.

“These small gestures will make such a big difference to our patients in these circumstances.”

Nurse and domestic abuse lead said: “We will be launching this project in support of ’16 days of action against domestic violence’ and White Ribbon UK, which are both two important campaigns supporting and raising awareness of domestic abuse.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to Gateshead Domestic Abuse Team for the mobile phone and advice during the initial incident with the pregnant lady. We are hoping this initiative will help vulnerable women, men or families move to a place of safety.

“Even if we are able to play a small part in making someone’s life safe, we are doing our jobs as nurses and as a Trust.”

If you would like to support this campaign, please donate via JustGiving. These donations will allow us to replenish the grab bags and allow us to support more vulnerable patients escape domestic abuse.