GETTING the word out that “help is available” was the message from officials at Harbour, a Hartlepool-based charity which supports victims of domestic abuse.
The group took up the offer of the town council’s charity stall on the weekly Wednesday charter market.
The charity, which started 50 years ago, operates refuges for women and men across the region who have suffered domestic abuse and is one of Barney mayor Cllr Rima Chatterjee’s chosen charity for the year.
Chief executive Lesley Gibson and refuge worker Tracy Fletcher encouraged people to stop for a chat, offering a number of handmade crafts including crochet blankets and decorated wooden boxes, some of which were made by those living in the refuges.
Ms Gibson said: “We’ve got bits and pieces for sale as an excuse for people to come over and have a chat because it can be difficult if someone is seeking help to make an approach.”
The charity also has an innovative way of assisting those suffering abuse – handing out specially produced lip balms where the bar code is the helpline number - 03000 202525. The charity also runs prevention courses to help perpetrators of abuse change their ways.
