Ref. 28204-13FAMILIES fleeing domestic violence have a safe haven at the Swindon Women's Refuge.

The charity, which can house up to 22 families, is one of the 11 good causes the Evening Advertiser's Christmas Appeal is supporting.

The Swindon Women's Refuge has been running since 1975. Two years later Jenni Manners, 51, started working at the refuge and is now its manager.

She said: "I have been here for 26 years because the work is so enjoyable and worthwhile. I have also made many good friends from it."

Besides accommodating families who have been victims of domestic violence, the service also offers a listening ear to some 500 people on its telephone helpline.

The families stay in special houses across Swindon and share facilities such as the kitchen, bathroom and lounge.

Barbara, 36, arrived at the refuge two months ago with her five-year-old son.

She said: "For two years I suffered mental, and some physical, abuse from my husband.

"One day I just grabbed everything and decided to escape.

"The refuge welcomed me and I am so much stronger."

Barbara soon plans to find work in Swindon and start life afresh.

She said: "The staff here have been so supportive and I have made friends with lots of other women in similar situations. I now have the confidence to move on."

The other organisations to benefit from our appeal are the Walcot Family Centre, The Welcome Centre, Homestart, Chalet Special School, The Koalas Opportunity Group, The Green Hut, Uplands Special School, Brimble Hill Special School, The Otters Group and The West Swindon Family Centre.

Collection boxes have now been placed around the Swindon area, so donations can easily be made.

How to donate to the appeal.

To donate money to our Christmas appeal you can drop in to any branch of Nationwide and quote Evening Advertiser Christmas Appeal Account number 0435/703528821

Collection boxes have also been placed in the following locations:

Sainsburys in Bridgemead

Sainsburys in Stratton St Margaret.

Tesco in The Parade, Swindon

Havelock News in Havelock Street, Swindon.

Baileys News in Cheney Manor and in High Street, Wootton Bassett.

Dillons, in Newburgh Place, Highworth.

Grange Drive News, in Grange Drive, Stratton St Margaret.

Spar shop in Purton.

Rodbourne Mini Market, in Rodbourne Road, Rodbourne Cheney.

Victoria Tagg