Market stall aids people experiencing abuse
BBCA community project has set up a market stall as a way of being able to reach people experiencing domestic abuse.
AHead of Wellbeing, a group which sets out to help people in crisis, run the stall in Redditch, Worcestershire, on Thursdays and Saturdays. Items sold raise money for its work.
It is also used for outreach where anyone in an abusive situation can come and speak to them under the cover of shopping.
Brenda Morrison-Webb set up AHead of Wellbeing with the aim of pre-empting, intervening and supporting people in crisis – with mental health or in abusive situations.
"I've had poor mental health off and on all of my life, trauma based, and also experienced domestic abuse," she said.
"So I felt it was important that I could use my own experience to help others."
The idea of having the market stall in the centre of town was initially to give people the chance to open up to her about what's happening in their lives in a relaxed situation.
Then she realised it was a good way for victims of domestic abuse to seek help.
"If someone's phone is being tracked, they can say "I went to the market and I bought some fruit".
"They don't need to reveal that they came and talked to us about domestic abuse."
AHead of Wellbeing helped 113 women suffering domestic abuse in the last six months.
Morrison-Webb hopes the market stall here will continue to give those in need more confidence to speak up.
One woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, was helped by AHead of Wellbeing after leaving an abusive relationship and suffering depression.
She told the BBC their support had a huge impact: "I found Brenda quite by accident and the whole situation has changed my life for the better. Everything that I've learned from Ahead of Wellbeing, from the women's programmes, the Freedom Programme, to actual counselling and just a strong friendship with people who have been in the same position... it's been invaluable to me."
She now volunteers at the market stall to pay it forward: "If I can help one lady or one man in that situation, I'm happy.
"I wouldn't wish [that circumstance] on anybody. It crushes you as a person and I'm glad to give back to the community. And I'm really glad when I see people moving on and healing in their journeys."
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