A call has been made by Mansfield District Council for people to support this year’s White Ribbon Campaign and help make a difference to the lives of families fleeing domestic abuse.

The council is again backing the national campaign, which aims to get rid of violence against women. As part of its support, people are being asked to fill a shoebox with donations of items that will help people who have been forced to leave their home after suffering abuse.

Suggested items include toiletries such as shower gel, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste as well as new underwear, unopened make-up, and slipper socks. Items for children are also welcome such as soft toys, sweets, crayons and colouring books.

The shoeboxes can be handed in to Mansfield Museum on Leeming Street, Mansfield, from 10am to 3pm on Friday, 2nd December during an event organised by the council to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the White Ribbon Campaign.

At the event there will be chance to find out more about the national campaign, get advice and support and there will also be craft activities to keep the children entertained.

Coun Mick Barton, portfolio holder for public protection, said: “We are proud to support the White Ribbon campaign again this year and hope that people will join us in supporting the message that domestic abuse is not acceptable. We hope people will come forward with donations for the shoebox appeal.

“Donations of practical items such as toothpaste, make-up and even teabags can make all the difference to someone who has fled their home with nothing. When families are fleeing abusive situations they leave in such a hurry that they’re not able to take the basic items that most of us take for granted.”

All donations of filled shoeboxes will be given to local charities including Refuge, NIDAS and Mansfield’s accommodation for the homeless.

Mansfield District Council will also be holding a stall in Mansfield Market on Friday, 25th November, from 10am to 2pm. To find out more about the campaign and events, visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/whiteribbon