An MP has welcomed a cash injection for a Redcar and Cleveland based domestic abuse charity.
Jacob Young, Conservative MP for Redcar, has welcomed funding from the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) which is being used to fund Let’s Grow, a new gardening initiative being rolled out at Redcar-based domestic violence charity, Foundation.
The project will encourage women and children living at the charity’s purpose-built domestic violence refuge to garden, grow plants and vegetables.
The Let’s Grow initiative aims to boost self-confidence and encourage residents, who may be withdrawn and isolated when they come to the refuge, to socialise and form friendships with staff and fellow residents.
The MOJ grant will pay for raised beds, planters and a small greenhouse to help kick-start the project.
Mr Young said: "This is great news for the charity which provides such vital services in Redcar and Cleveland.
"When I visited Foundation before the lockdown, I was overwhelmed by the sense of joy and family spirit that is fostered there and this additional funding will help them continue to grow in that.
"I was proud to support the domestic abuse bill as it passed through parliament this year ensuring greater protections and support for domestic abuse services."
Robert Buckland MP, Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, said: "Domestic abuse is a terrible crime and it's only right that the government is providing support to charities like Foundation.
"They do crucial work which has been made all the more important by the pandemic."
In addition to helping to fund Let’s Grow, the grant has allowed Foundation to set up extra wellbeing activities for clients, provided toy packs for each child coming into contact with the service and food parcels for each family. A children’s domestic abuse worker has also been engaged.
Mr Young previously praised the work of Foundation when he raised a question with Alex Chalk MP, Minister for Victims, in the House of Commons.
Addressing Mr Chalk, Mr Young said: “Victims of domestic abuse in Redcar and Cleveland are supported and helped by fantastic local charities such as EVA Women’s Aid and Foundation. Will he outline how his Department are strengthening support services for domestic abuse and ensuring that they have the funding that they need?”
Mr Chalk said: “I thank my hon. Friend for that excellent question. I also thank the domestic abuse charities, including EVA Women’s Aid, for the fantastic work they do in supporting victims of crime. We are committed to ensuring that vital support continues as we ease lockdown restrictions.
"In response to the pandemic, the Ministry of Justice has distributed £22 million to date as part of the package for charities supporting vulnerable people. As announced at the Prime Minister’s hidden harms summit in May, we have also committed to developing a funding strategy for all victims of crime, including domestic abuse, which will look at the longer-term sustainability of funding.
