Hundreds of reconditioned mobile phones are to be offered free to women at risk from domestic violence in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The recycled phones have been specially adapted to enable users to phone 999 in an emergency by touching any button.
They have been donated by customers of the Body Shop as part of a joint initiative called Foneforsafety.
Bristol is one of five areas in the UK piloting the scheme which started in the Southwark, London in 2002.
Lifeline
Some 150 mobile phone alarms will initially be made available at four local distribution points, including police stations in north and south Bristol, Next Link Bristol and the Crime Support Unit in South Gloucestershire.
Councillor Gary Hopkins, chairman of the Safer Bristol Partnership, said: "Fonesforsafety is very much in line with our aims and will help provide women at risk of domestic violence with the reassurance that they are able to summon speedy help in an emergency."
Peter Ridler, UK Managing Director for The Body Shop, said: "A personal alarm that provides women with a lifeline at a time when they need it most is a fantastic practical solution that can really make a difference to a vulnerable woman."
Supporters of the Foneforsafety initiative include the Safer Bristol and Safer South Gloucestershire Partnerships, Avon and Somerset Police, The Body Shop and Women's Aid.
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