HSBC Bank on Newcastle’s High Street are now offering a “Safe Space” to victims of domestic abuse.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse – whether they are a customer of the bank or not – can go in and seek specialist support and advice. A quiet room has been set aside for this purpose. Their staff are not counsellors, but have all had training in listening to what can be hard conversations, and in directing people to the most appropriate sources of support.
Regional Manager Geoff Jones and Branch Manager Emma Lawton (pictured) explained that their staff have also been trained in spotting signs of financial abuse, and how best to offer help.
Their quiet room includes the use of a phone and facilities for phone charging, plus phone numbers for specialist agencies.
I was very pleased to hear about this important service being offered by the bank. The Safe Spaces initiative is being run in conjunction with the domestic abuse charity Hestia.
