A Cumbrian campaign helping domestic abuse survivors through donated beauty products has thanked Cumbria for its support in the midst of the cost of living crisis.
The Regifting Beauty campaign – which is now in its third year – was developed by Carlisle-based VL Aesthetics to support survivors of domestic abuse, who often don’t have access to any essential toiletries after they bravely escape their situation.
This year, campaign runners have said Cumbrians have continued to donate generously to the scheme, despite the cost of living impacting the region.
Owner of VL Aesthetics Vanessa Brown said: “This scheme is vital because victims of domestic violence deserve to have essential items that they often don’t have access too.
“Despite the cost of living crisis, we still collected an astonishing mixture of products and people even donated things like heated blankets and some toys for children.”
The Freedom Project, based in West Cumbria, is the main beneficiary of the innovative scheme and they’ve also seen the impact of the cost of living on their service users.
Charity manager Vicky Pike said: “The financial crisis has not only been a factor which has seen cases rise but it has also prevented many women escaping their abusive situation.
“The fact that we can supply essential toiletries like shampoo, deodorant and sanitary products gives women some dignity back and we also have makeup grab bags which they can select.
“Many women have been denied these basic items and this scheme gives them the chance to take back their identity.”
While the campaign was slower to gain momentum this year, which the duo suspect is due to the cost of living, Vanessa said she was over the moon with the donations that they received.
Vicky added: ” Cavendish Nuclear also took part this year which we are so thankful for, and they donated an extra £2,000 in cash to support the counselling services that the Freedom Project run, which is fantastic. We also had some new donation locations, spreading out of Carlisle into West Cumbria.”
Thanks to donations from people across the county, The Freedom Project is able to assist women who are facing a range of difficult situations.
Vicky said: “We had a pregnant woman and her children come to us with very little and because of this amazing campaign we were able to give her and her children the toiletries and supplies that they needed.”
The Carlisle based aesthetics clinic began the campaign in 2020 after owner Vanessa did some work with The Freedom Project.
Vanessa said: “Here at VL Aesthetics we believe everyone deserves to look and feel good and we are 100 per cent committed to helping women who find themselves in this traumatic situation.
“For many, having access to toiletries and other beauty products is something they have been denied by their abuser, so these gifts are not only practical but also offer a huge boost to their self-esteem and confidence.
“I would just like to thank the kind people of Carlisle and Cumbria for their donations which really do mean the world to victims of domestic violence.
“I am so happy that Regifting Beauty was a success again, we have big plans for 2024 and hope to tie the campaign in with a charitable gala held in the Summer. “
