Shop team get creative to support vulnerable women

Volunteers and staff at a Salvation Army's charity shop in Glasgow are getting creative in their spare time to support women at risk of domestic abuse.

The team at the store on Dumbarton Road have been taking glasses donated by the public and transforming them into hand-decorated masterpieces to raise money for Glasgow Women's Aid. Domestic abuse is defined as persistent and controlling behaviour by a partner or ex-partner which causes physical, sexual and/or emotional harm. The store already provides assistance to women being supported by the charity – staff and volunteers wanted to do even more to show they care. 

Glasgow MSP Pam Duncan Glancy popped in to support the project and even picked out a couple of glasses to take home with her. She said: “One woman helped by Glasgow Women’s Aid and The Salvation Army said the support she received through the partnership was life-changing. The mum of three fled her country with nothing and was struggling to cope in Scotland. But she said that all changed when she and her children were invited along to the store to pick out as much furniture and clothing as she needed for her family.”

The Salvation Army's store manager Paula Jones said she was moved to help after seeing an appeal online from Glasgow Women’s Aid. Paula, who had to leave her own home due to domestic abuse, said: "I have been in that situation, so I know what it's like to be left with nothing.  

"The idea of hand-decorating the glasses as a way of raising money for Glasgow Women's Aid is a way to help while also giving a boost the mental health of our staff and volunteers. The chance to be creative while supporting a local charity has been embraced by everyone in the team. They've spent every spare minute on this project.  

“We started inviting women and families supported by Glasgow Women’s Aid into the store to pick their own things, from homeware to furniture and clothes. I know people appreciate receiving help and being able to choose their own stuff affords those we work with the dignity of choice. The scheme has been running seven months and we have helped a lot of women in that time.”