Domestic abuse charity appeals for school items

A charity is appealing to people to donate back-to-school items for children affected by domestic abuse.

The Haven Wolverhampton said its scheme provided essentials, highlighting backpacks, water bottles, stationery and an Asda voucher towards uniform.

A year ago, 70 bags of items were given to people helped by the charity, which supports women and children affected by domestic abuse, as part of its Back To School appeal.

The Haven, who confirmed the final drop-off date this year was 19 August, said by providing products children would feel more confident and it "takes the financial burden away from mothers, who often have very little to survive on".

Pamilerin Beckley, from the charity, said many people fleeing domestic abuse did not get an opportunity to pack, with some women leaving "everything behind".

"The victim is the one who has been uprooted. The perpetrator gets to stay where they are," she said.

The Haven's lived experience lead, who engages with women helped by the charity, said when people dealt with upheaval, they "need help with everything".

A mother may not be able to go to work and items could present a "financial challenge", she explained.

"You want [children] to feel a sense of belonging [at school], they're not lacking anything and can go ready to learn."

The appeal initiative was "giving children one less thing to think about", she added.

"You'd be surprised how excited a child can get about a new water bottle. Those little things can make such a huge difference."

Beckley, who has been involved with the charity for six years, said that starting over again created "an enormous emotional pressure on so many levels" for people.

"It's disruptive for some of the children... especially if it's a new school, [it] can bring additional anxiety."

In addition, the majority of children helped by the charity were youngsters "who have witnessed mum getting abused by dad", she said.

"We're seeing lots of challenging behaviour, complex needs with children," added Beckley.

In the year between April 2024 and March 2025, the charity had 1,800 people who either came to the organisation themselves or were referred to it by other agencies.

The majority of referrals were through The Haven's free helpline, Beckley said.

A contract from the council, which emerged in May, includes the return of the authority's Sanctuary Scheme, which aims to see improved security measures available to victims including CCTV and fireproof letterboxes.

The Haven have been recommissioned to provide safe accommodation and community support services under a three-year minimum contract.

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