A CHARITY which helps victims of domestic abuse has received a boost with a new donation point in a town supermarket.

Swindon Women’s Aid, which provides help including temporary accommodation to those affected by domestic violence, has the new point set up in the Stratton branch of Sainsbury's, based in Oxford Road.

Swindon Women's Aid office manager Abby Ayre said the charity needed funds to provide essential items for women who have escaped domestic violence.

“Women sometimes arrive at our refuge having made a harrowing escape from a traumatic home life and, consequently, have nothing more than the clothes they are wearing. Also, many have babies or small children with them, thus heightening even more the desperate need for help," she said.

Donations will go towards items such as washing and bathing materials, sanitary items, nappies, clothing, toothbrushes, toothpaste and long-life baby food.

Swindon Women’s Aid also runs a 24 hour helpline which can offer help and support services to anyone in a domestic abuse relationship

Store Manager at Stratton, Val Atwill, said she was delighted to showing support for the charity.

“We did something similar a couple of Christmases ago and the response from customers and colleagues then was tremendous. That encourages us to enter into a longer term project with Swindon Women’s Aid in order to support the excellent work they do," she said.

The donation point is now ready for staff and customers to use. Sainsbury’s Stratton staff will continue to support Swindon Women’s Aid with donations of goods on an ad-hoc basis.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic abuse call the Swindon 24 Hour Helpline on 01793 610610.