Friday 27 November saw the official opening of “Walk & Talk Today”, a charity and community shop in Ffynnongroyw, which uses the funds raised to supporting families who have experienced domestic abuse and also distributes clothing to those in need.
The charity shop started its journey earlier this year, when Louise Rudd opened a pop up shop in Y Canolfan. Asking for donations of clothes from colleagues at North Wales Police and the wider community, Louise was keen to ensure that families who were fleeing domestic abuse, did not go without.
To date Louise has collected enough clothing to support families for an entire year and has built a team of volunteers to help her in providing emergency clothing.
Invited to officially open the new shop with Louise, Member of the Senedd for Delyn, Hannah Blythyn MS said:
“I am so grateful to Louise for the fantastic work which she has been doing to support families who have to flee domestic violence, and for inviting me to officially open the shop in The Old Boathouse, on Main Rd in Ffynnongroyw.
It was great that I was not only able to recognise Louise with one of my Community Champion awards, but also to put her forward to be recognised by the Welsh Parliament’s Community Champion scheme.”
Sadly during the pandemic there has been a decrease in the reporting of domestic abuse across Wales, which has led to the Welsh Government increasing funding for support services.
Following the socially distanced ribbon cutting on Friday, Louise spoke of her decision to open the shop, saying:
“I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received since deciding to collect items to distribute to those in need.
With more than two women being killed each week through domestic violence, I wanted to play my part in supporting the women who were able to leave their home, which should be safe place, to escape the abuse they faced.”
Each year the White Ribbon campaign takes place over 16 days of action, encouraging people world-wide to come forward and commit to playing their part in eliminating violence against women.
Local Councillor, Glyn Banks, has been involved in helping Louise with her efforts and praised her saying:
“The work which Louise has done in such a short space of time has been incredible.
It was a pleasure to join Louise and Hannah Blythyn MS at the launch of the new shop, just a few days after International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and I will do all I can to continue to support Louise and the wider community of Ffynnongroyw.”
The new charity shop can be found at XXX and further information can be found on Facebook at ‘Walk n Talk’.