National Lottery supports Welsh charity as it readies itself for domestic abuse spike.

A Welsh charity that provides second-hand furniture and electrical goods to those in need is readying itself for a huge spike in demand due to domestic abuse during lockdown. toogoodtowaste – which operates across Rhondda Cynon Taf – has secured a grant of more than £31,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund.

The charity’s Chief Executive is Shaun England. He explains:

“We’re hearing from people who are in very difficult situations and they’re really struggling. As the restrictions on social distancing and travel begin to ease across Wales, we are expecting to see more demand on our services due to domestic abuse, without a doubt.

“Now that the five mile travel restriction has been lifted, we expect to see a huge rise in domestic abuse survivors coming forward who need to get into a safe home away from their abuser and will need a range of items from us for their emergency housing.”

The charity has been working flat out since February supplying items for people whose homes were flooded in the deluge earlier this year and again in June:

“We’ve been delivering to people who have had to move out or have been living in the upstairs of their properties.”

Throughout the crisis, toogoodtowaste has also been supporting people dealing with homelessness and poverty.

Those in need are referred to toogoodtowaste by partners including domestic violence units, children’s services, social services, housing associations and homelessness charities, the charity is now using the fast-tracked National Lottery grant to purchase recycled white goods and furniture.

The National Lottery Community Fund has so far responded to the Covid-19 crisis with almost £1.4 million in grants, supporting domestic violence units and charities across Wales. Throughout the UK up to £600 million has been made available to support communities throughout the UK during COVID-19 thanks to National Lottery players.

John Rose, Director Wales for The National Lottery Community Fund says:

“Thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to fund projects like toogoodtowaste who are helping people through some tough situations. We are continuing to receive a high number of requests for grants from across Wales and it’s heartening to see how communities are pulling together.”

Charities throughout Wales have reported an increase of calls reporting domestic abuse to help lines since March*.

* **source - Welsh Government release

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