MEMBERS of Deeside Netball Club have collected toiletries and made-up overnight packages to provide much-needed items to those supported by Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU).

Netball teams ranging from u9s through to adults donated their time and funds to collate not only essential items for adult women and men fleeing domestic abuse, but also for children who find themselves with few or no belongings after seeking refuge at DASU.

Some young netballers put drawings in their care packages to show their support for the children not only trying to cope with the challenges of the current coronavirus pandemic, but who are also dealing with the trauma from Domestic Abuse.

Jude Bennett, Deeside Netball Club Chair who helped organise and donate the items to DASU said; “Deeside Netball Club is a very close knit group of players, parents, and volunteers who give up their time to ensure the success of our local netball leagues and our club. As the current rules of lockdown mean we can’t come together for our sport, we wanted to do something together that would help some of those in our wider community.

“I was so happy to see how much effort had been put in by club members, their family and friends, to gather up the items and I was really proud to drop them off at DASU where they will go to good use and support those that need it at this really difficult time.”

Rhian Lewis, Head of Operations at DASU said added: “We were so overwhelmed to see the volume of items and could clearly see the care and time that the members of Deeside Netball Club had put into their collections for us.

"We know that the people we’re supporting will be so grateful for these items. Thank you so much – it really does make such a difference.

“We’re expecting to see a big surge in referrals after lockdown. Currently it’s difficult for victims to find a safe opportunity to reach out for support. From the calls that we are getting to our community and outreach services, they are more complex due to risk, increased feelings of anxiety and an increase in a sense of isolation.

"We have continued to offer emergency refuge accommodation and support services to victims throughout this time.

"We do face to face support if it’s needed and offer support over the phone and virtually following Government safety guidance.

"We know that our services are needed more than ever right now, and we want to reassure all victims that we are still here offering support and safety options."

Anyone needing help or support and wants to speak to DASU can contact their Flintshire office on 01244 830436 or their Wrexham office on 01978 310203.

Deeside Netball Club is currently supporting members with offers of online training sessions and netball related challenges to keep in touch during the Lockdown, which has seen not only their regular training sessions, matches and leagues cancelled but also seen the transformation of their home of almost 50years – Deeside Leisure Centre – into the local Rainbow Hospital ‘Ysbyty Enfys Glenna’.