There's much being written abt the increase in domestic violence during lockdown. Thought ppl might be interested to know how a small, local charity is helping vulnerable young women and girls during this time. So this is a quick thread update from @ywopgateshead... 1/8

Around 60 11-19 yr old girls were using @ywopgateshead prior to lockdown. For most, this meant attending weekly group support sessions and receiving 1-2-1 help. The charity's HQ is a safe space outside an unstable and often frightening home. The sessions are a lifeline 2/8

Not being able to visit meet in person is devastating, but the charity is working hard to take its services online, for example through Facebook live sessions, Zoom calls, and care packages including food parcels 3/8

Two big problems stand out right now: some of the girls are difficult to contact or completely uncontactable - they may have run out of phone credit, be unable to buy more, or have been relying on public wifi to maintain online contact outside the home 4/8

Where girls are uncontactable or do not have their own mobile phones or laptops - as is the case with younger girls - @ywopgateshead has sought the help of their families; sadly they may be part of the problem and / or not able to help 5/8

Another problem: some of the girls supported in the past, who have moved on from the charity's care, are now socially isolated and consequently their mental health is suffering greatly. @ywopgateshead is seeking to contact these girls and ensure they are safe 6/8

Funding applications we were working on have stalled. Understandably, many of the big funding bodies are directing their monies towards the most pressing Covid-19 related appeals. Small charities like @ywopgateshead really need the public's help right now 7/8

If you can afford to donate, you will make an immediate difference: https://sites.google.com/ywop.co.uk/home/events-and-campaigns. Other NE charities supporting women & girls inc: @TynesideWH @WEWAGC @ComfreyProject 8/8 @bethhazon @quinnnicolaa @LEaton35 @jpjhill @SuzeJxn @HollyAlexandraP