Montrose branch of Virgin Money becomes the latest to offer domestic abuse safe space
Montrose’s branch of Virgin Money is one of the latest to provide a domestic abuse Safe Space as part of a wider initiative by Nationwide.
In total, 42 will provide the facility as part of a commitment to tackle physical and financial abuse, bringing the overall number across Nationwide’s branch network to 475.
Safe Spaces are private areas where people can access support, make calls to specialist charities, and find safety away from their abuser.
Hestia, the specialist domestic abuse charity that runs the safe space initiative nationally, has confirmed Nationwide now leads the financial services sector in physical safe space provision.
Throughout the World Cup, Nationwide is backing the charity’s #SupportIsATeamSport campaign, which encourages people to recognise the signs of abuse and download Bright Sky – a free, confidential app offering practical advice and access to local and national support.
It also helps users find their nearest Safe Space and provides guidance on how to support someone safely. Customers can also use Nationwide’s Branch Finder.
Comprehensive support is also offered for those experiencing abuse, including a partnership with domestic abuse charity Refuge. People can also access Shout, a free 24/7 confidential mental health text service.
For those experiencing financial and economic abuse, there a pioneering in-app payment reference blocking feature, enabling survivors to stop seeing abusers’ threatening or coercive messages through bank transfers.
Mandy Beech, retail services director, said: “We know that a bank or building society might not be the most obvious or conventional place to turn in a moment of crisis, but through our charity partners and the tools we have built, there are real, practical things we can do to help people get the support they need.”
Sue Harper, from Hestia, said: “While football does not cause abuse, we know that existing abusive behaviour often intensifies on match days. We can help people feel less alone and ensure they get the support they need.”
Anyone seeking support can visit a branch Safe Space, text Shout - the free mental health text service - on 85258, contact Refuge at nationaldahelpline.org.uk, or call 0808 2000 247.