Brick campaign to help fund Wolverhampton domestic abuse flats

Allen CookBBC News, West Midlands
News imageBBC Pamilerin Beckley from The HavenBBC
Pamilerin Beckley from the charity behind the apartments says, by buying bricks, the community can support their efforts.

A charity is asking people to help fund its new apartments for victims of domestic abuse by buying a brick in a virtual wall.

Work had begun on eight new flats for single women and those with families fleeing abuse.

The £1m construction project, led by The Haven Wolverhampton, will include accessible living for those with mobility issues.

The campaign allows bricks to be bought for £30 each, the charity said.

They will be displayed on a virtual wall and the organisation hoped the community would get behind them, Pamilerin Beckley from The Haven said.

"It's our 50th year, and it will provide us with an opportunity to help support more women and children," she added.

"We are never not full, we are always, always full and sometimes having to work in partnership with other organisations like ourselves to accommodate women and children."

News imageLisa Bretherick Photography Anonymous woman making a drinkLisa Bretherick Photography
The Haven has been helping victims of domestic abuse for 50 years

The new apartments will be built on land previously purchased by the charity in 2005.

According to figures from the council, it was estimated 14,355 people aged 16-74 in Wolverhampton experienced domestic abuse in the 12 months up to March 2020, excluding the pandemic.

The Haven was set up in 1973 and offers a free 24-hour helpline, providing practical and emotional support services to women and children.

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