We are pleased to announce a heartwarming collaboration with a local hairdresser, Camilla Higgins, who has generously volunteered her time, skills, and resources to uplift survivors in our community.

Camilla enlisted the support of her clients and members of the community, resulting in an abundance of donated items. The survivors were given the opportunity to choose from an array of women’s and children’s clothing items, shoes, toiletries, bedding and pampering items to take home, ensuring that they left not only with a renewed sense of self but also with tangible essentials and luxuries.

The pamper day, hosted at The Lounge, Fareham, not only offered complimentary haircuts but also went above and beyond with refreshments, snacks, and a creche area for the children. This ensured that the women could fully immerse themselves in the experience.

Camilla said “I really enjoyed my experience volunteering. My aim was to create a space for the women to feel safe and to have a little pamper. I hope the women enjoyed their time as much as I did. I'll definitely be hoping to volunteer my time again.”

Making the conversation about domestic abuse everyone’s business, is key to supporting the families that we work with and helping reach their aim of a world without domestic abuse. These community led experiences are simple but invaluable ways to help women rebuild their self-confidence as they work through their trauma. The support of local businesses is truly essential to the provision of services we provide at Stop Domestic Abuse.

Our Volunteering Manager, Nikki said

“Camilla contacted me earlier on this year to say that she wanted to volunteer her time to offer our refuge clients a day where they felt someone was looking after them, where they could enjoy a pamper day and be treated to a free wash, cut and style. She has gone above and beyond to achieve this, even providing donations from her salon clients, who have been incredibly generous. The salon owner has accommodated this activity, allowing the closure of the salon for the day. Camilla has made such a wonderful difference to our residents, some of whom have been unable to have their haircut for years due to the abuse they have experienced. Watching them enjoy the experience, even experience their first head massage and seeing and hearing them express how great their cut and style has made them feel and how empowered they are as a result has been wonderful.”

Our CEO, Claire Lambon added

“Engaging with us in any capacity aids in greater understanding of the repercussions of domestic abuse and the challenges faced by victims and survivors. It fosters a genuine sense of community so that our beneficiaries feel the compassion and support of those around them. Our volunteers witness firsthand the profound impact of simply showing empathy, understanding, and support.”

If you are interested in contributing your time and skills to support women and children impacted by domestic abuse, particularly within the Hampshire area, we warmly welcome your support. Please don't hesitate to contact us at volunteer@stopdomesticabuse.uk. Your contribution is vital and invaluable to the services we provide.

If you live in Hampshire, Portsmouth or Southampton and are experiencing domestic abuse, you can call the Domestic Abuse Advice Line on 0330 0533 630 or email advice@stopdomesticabuse.uk for confidential advice and support.