Devon domestic abuse charity secures materials prize

A Devon charity that seeks to empower survivors of domestic abuse is planning renovation works after becoming one of our first Community Heroes winners of 2024.

SAFE Foundation, based in Exeter, has secured £500 of building materials to improve its facilities – and will also be a Community Heroes finalist later in the year with the chance of winning £5,000 in cash.

Our ever-popular Community Heroes campaign gives community groups and good causes the chance to secure materials to use on a project.

Lucy Skye, Programme Development Lead & Therapist SAFE, said: “We are very grateful for this donation, which will make a huge difference to our service users.

“SAFE Foundation is one of the leading domestic abuse recovery organisations in Devon. For over five decades we have been transforming the choices and life paths available for adult and child survivors of domestic violence and abuse.

“We offer a range of community-based programmes, including group and individual trauma recovery therapy for adults and children and our whole-family approach, Flourishing Families.

“These materials will help to make our building safe, welcoming, warm and comfortable.”

SAFE Foundation will visit our Exeter branch on Filmer Way to choose its materials from the extensive range of materials and products on offer.

This is the fourth time we have supported good causes across the country through Community Heroes, with an annual prize pot worth more than £10,000.

Over the course of six months, 12 winners will benefit from £500 to spend at their nearest Selco.

A public vote will follow, with one overall winner bagging £5,000 in cash and a runner-up awarded £1,000.

The scheme is open to any charity or group which is at the heart of its local community and entry can be made by explaining in no more than 100 words how the building materials or money would be used to benefit members.

Entries can be made online.

Alison Wong, Head of Communications and Sustainability at Selco, said: “We’re delighted to support SAFE Foundation, which does valuable work by supporting survivors to make healthy decisions, now and for the long-term.

“We received hundreds of entries to Community Heroes in the first month alone so the judging process was extremely difficult. SAFE Foundation, however, really stood out due to its determination to make a tangible difference to people’s lives.

“We look forward to seeing the revamped facilities.”