Hundreds of victims of domestic abuse have been given a welcome boost thanks to the heartwarming generosity of local businesses and their customers.

More than £10,000 worth of toiletries and skincare products were donated during this year’s Regifting Beauty campaign run by Carlisle-based VL Aesthetics. 

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

This year was the first time that the scheme joined forces with Cumbria Police and its officers dealing with domestic abuse, in a bid to help return some sense of normalcy to victims’ lives.

Offences involving domestic abuse rose from 506 in November 2023, to 541 in December 2023, a rise of almost seven percent in the run up to Christmas.

The campaign was first launched in 2020 and this year’s scheme has been the most successful yet, with about £10,000 worth of make-up and beauty products donated.

These will now to be shared between The Freedom Project West Cumbria, which supports between 280 and 300 female victims of domestic abuse a year, and women’s centres that are supported by Cumbria Constabulary, including Carlisle Gateway for Women, Women Out West and Barrow Women’s Community Matters.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Belshaw was involved in the campaign through his former role as the lead officer in Cumbria Police for the issue of violence against women and girls.

He said: “It’s wonderful to see the response to such a worthwhile cause, and we’re glad to have played our part supporting it.

“The response within the police force itself to this campaign was overwhelming, with our own officers and staff donating hundreds of items.

“I’d like to thank everyone who generously gave something. These items will hopefully offer some comfort to people who have gone through – or are going through – a terrible time in their lives.”

Vicky Pike is manager of The Freedom Project West Cumbria. She said: “We are always so grateful to be involved with the scheme. If people could see our clients using the products and taking them away… it’s really uplifting to watch and see the difference it is making to women.

“We are grateful every year because it means this is a little extra service that we can provide.”

The Freedom Project puts all of the donated items in decorative boxes, and invites the women to help themselves to whatever they wish. Despite this, most of those offered the opportunity will only take one or two items, as they are unused to spoiling themselves.

“Some counsellors take clients to help them choose,” Vicky explained. “When it comes to make-up and presentation, some women haven’t been allowed to wear make-up or choose their own clothes for some time and it’s scary when given that choice again.

“I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated: I just wish we could share what their faces are like when they get them, so people can see the real impact of their generosity. It is life-changing.”

One service user said: “The products I received from The Freedom Project lifted me up at a time I really needed it.

“It helped me feel supported and cared for. It was lovely to be able to use these products as part of my self care – something I haven’t done before. 

“I don’t think people understand what this means to us.”

On the issue of domestic abuse, DCI Belshaw added: “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. 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.”

VL Aesthetics clinic owner Vanessa Brown said: “Regifting Beauty 2024 has surpassed all expectations in its fourth year, marking our most successful campaign to date.

“We collected more than 50 overflowing boxes, and an estimated £10,000 worth of skincare, body items, and toiletries generously donated by the wonderful people of Cumbria.

“We are truly overwhelmed and we can’t quite believe it.

“A special thank you to The Body Shop for their incredible contributions, attributing to four collections, and to Tesco and Morrisons for their overflowing trolley of donations.”

Vanessa added: “We also extend our gratitude to the businesses who continue to support us with collection boxes since we launched the Regifting Beauty campaign in 2019 – Velvet 7, Luna Amatos, and Bookends, your unwavering support makes all the difference.”

How do you report domestic abuse to police?

If you have been the victim of domestic abuse, or are concerned for someone who is, you can report this by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

You can get more advice about domestic abusehere: https://www.cumbria.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/

How do I access support services?

You can access support services regardless of whether you have reported a crime to the police.

To access support services independently, contact Victim Support 24/7 on 0808 1689 111 – or go to: cumbria-pcc.gov.uk/victim-service/