Returning for its fifth year VL Aesthetics’ Regifting Beauty Campaign returns with police backing.

As figures come to light showing more than 15 people a day reported being subjected to domestic abuse in Cumbria in the run-up to Christmas and offences rising by almost seven percent in the festive period, according to Cumbria Police.

The campaign, backed by Cumbria Police, helps ensure that essential beauty and hygiene products are available to those who need it.

Carlisle-based VL Aesthetics first developed the concept of Regifting Beauty in 2019, before officially launching the campaign in January 2020.

The scheme sees people donating their unwanted beauty products and toiletries, so they can be given to survivors of domestic abuse.

For the first time, the scheme has this year partnered with Cumbria Police, working with officers dealing with domestic abuse. 

The donations will be shared between The Freedom Project, which supports victims of domestic abuse, and women’s centres that are supported by Cumbria Constabulary including Carlisle Gateway for Women, Women Out West and Barrow Women’s Community Matters.

Offences involving domestic abuse rose from 506 in November 2023 to 541 in December 2023 – a rise of almost seven percent during the festive season.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Belshaw has spent the last 18 months working as the force’s lead officer on the issue of violence against women and girls.

He said: “This campaign is an extremely worthwhile cause and we’re happy to support any effort to help those who suffer abuse in any way.

“We’d encourage anyone who can to donate – and anyone with any concerns about domestic abuse is always encouraged to contact us.

“If you’re scared at home, there is always help out there.”

He added: “Nobody should ever have to experience such offences and our officers work hard around-the-clock to safeguard those at risk of abuse and to do our best to make sure perpetrators of such abuse face the consequences.

“Tackling these awful crimes and safeguarding vulnerable people is a key priority for us. We take all reports seriously and we treat all cases with sensitivity.

“If you are suffering, please get in touch. Even if right now you only have questions, I would urge you to contact us.”

Among those who have benefited since the scheme’s launch is The Freedom Project West Cumbria, which supports between 280 and 300 female victims of domestic abuse a year.

Manager Vicky Pike said the act of donating an unwanted or excess Christmas gift or unused make-up may seem innocuous, but for those receiving it, the impact is life-changing.

“The happiness that having access to make-up, perfume or basic toiletries brings is immeasurable; it really does change people’s lives,” she explained. “Something so small to us can make someone’s day.

“Everything is put out on shelves, and the women are encouraged to browse the shelves and take what they want.

“We have mums and daughters who have pamper nights with a face mask, hair dye and make-overs: it’s something normal for them to do.

“By giving them things like this, it’s one less thing for them to worry about, as well as the chance to feel special again. It helps remind them of their self-worth.”

VL Aesthetics clinic owner Vanessa Brown said: “We are proud to be able to support vulnerable women through our Regifting Beauty campaign.

“Over the past four years, Regifting Beauty has successfully raised more than £30,000 worth of beauty products to aid those in need.

“Hopefully, by collaborating with Cumbria Constabulary for the first time this year we can help even more people who are affected by this.”

The scheme will run from January 15 to February 23 and there will be various donation locations around Carlisle, including Tesco at Rosehill, Morrisons, Body Shop, Sculpture House Hair, Bookends, Abbey Hairdressers, Lakeland, Foxes Cafe, and Luna Amatores.

People can donate any unopened beauty, skincare, or make up product.