DOMESTIC abuse support groups in Stourbridge are joining forces with local businesses to launch a Christmas appeal.

Survivors of Domestic Abuse (SODA), along with Reflect, based in Victoria Passage, are appealing for donations of handbags filled with toiletries to give to those who leave relationships without basic essentials.

Lisa Evans-Read and her Reflect team will be collecting the donations at their town centre skin and body clinic until Christmas Eve.

SODA will then deliver the goods to CHADD (Churches Housing Association of Dudley & District) and The Haven in Wolverhampton with the help of Davina Clarke from Driving Miss Daisy UK.

Sam Billingham, founder of SODA, said: “This time of the year can be a difficult one for any man, woman or child experiencing domestic abuse.

“Many are isolated from friends and family while others become more vulnerable to abuse, including physical, psychological, sexual and financial due to alcohol, substance misuse and the sheer pressure on families that the festive season can bring.”

SODA are getting set to offer self-care groups throughout Dudley borough in 2017, and are also looking for local companies or organisations for sponsorship opportunities.

Single mum and a domestic abuse survivor herself, Sam has been supporting others since 2009, but she is now looking to work deeper and further within the community, alongside various agencies including JCP and NHS, to not only raise awareness but support service users too.

She added: “Sometimes the most obvious question isn’t being asked and we need to get all agencies asking, is everything ok at home, in the hope it encourages people to speak out and seek the support they deserve.”

Sam will also be in Stourbridge’s Ryemarket Shopping Centre on Friday (November 25), Monday, November 28, and Saturday, December 10, where she will be raising awareness for her cause, as well as raffling off two dresses donated to the group by actresses and group supporters Amanda Redman and Beverley Callard.

For more information about SODA visit www.sodaHQ.org