Thousands of women experiencing domestic abuse will be able to gain help and support from Refuge’s 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, thanks to a major grant from London Freemasons and other Provinces.

The 200,000 grant will support the Helpline, which is at the heart of a strategic, co-ordinated response to domestic abuse. The service is run by the charity Refuge, delivered by a team of specialist staff and trained volunteers

Women experiencing domestic abuse, as well as friends, family and professionals supporting them can contact Refuge’s expert team on their free phone number, via their secure webform email and through their online live chat. Women who use British Sign Language can also receive support via video calls with qualified interpreters. The Helpline records over 13,000 calls and contacts on its database per month. Women can also find information and support on Refuges’ Helpline website www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.

The Refuge Helpline number runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The charity aims to reduce the harm caused by domestic abuse by providing callers with information about their rights and options, as well as supporting them to leave their abusers safely if and when they are ready.

The Helpline team provides a confidential and non-judgmental service, which supports women in both heterosexual and same sex relationships.  They deliver emotional and practical help to women as they begin rebuilding their lives following abuse.

London Freemasons contributed to the grant, from the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Lucy Snow, Senior Transformation Manager at Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline, said:

“We’re very grateful to the Freemasons for their generous grant, which is needed now more than ever.

“Our message to women across the country is clear. You are not alone. We will listen, we will believe you, and we can support you to plan your next steps. We are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Tony Shields from London Freemasons, said:

“I’m delighted we’ve been able to support Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which does a hugely important job being there for the one in four women who experience domestic abuse.

“Whether it’s providing practical information or emotional support, the Helpline is a lifeline for many thousands of women every year and I’m very proud that Freemasons are supporting this essential service.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The attached photograph shows one of Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline Advisors.

For further information about Refuge, please contact: press@refuge.org.uk.

About Refuge:

Refuge supports more than 7,000 women and children on any given day, and runs the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which is the gateway to accessing specialist support across the country. More than one in four women in England and Wales experiences domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime, and two women a week are killed by a current or former partner.

Please signpost to Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247, available 24 hours a day 7 days a week for free, confidential specialist support. Or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk to fill in a webform and request a safe time to be contacted or to access live chat (live chat available 3pm-10pm, Monday to Friday) and our British Sign Language service (10am – 6pm, Monday – Friday). For real time automated guidance on how to secure your personal devices Refuge also has a Tech Safety Tool.

For further information about the Masonic Charitable Foundation, please contact Guy Roberts, Press Officer (groberts@mcf.org.uk  |0203 146 3311)

About the Masonic Charitable Foundation

The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) is one of the largest grant-making charities in the country. Funded entirely through the generosity of Freemasons and their families, the MCF awards millions of pounds each year to local and national charities that help vulnerable people, advance medical research and provide opportunities for young people. The MCF also helps to fund vital services such as hospices and air ambulances and regularly contributes to worldwide appeals for disaster relief.  In total, MCF support helps to improve the lives of thousands of people every year in England, Wales and internationally. As well as providing grants to charities, the MCF supports Freemasons and their families with a financial, health or family need. Visit www.mcf.org.uk