First Night

Today sees the launch of the annual 'First Night' campaign which seeks to raise awareness about the support available to victims of domestic violence during the Christmas and New Year period. This important campaign also seeks to collect donations to support those women and families who will need to leave their homes as a result of domestic violence and are being supported in the city's refuges.

For many people, Christmas and New Year is a time of great joy but it can be difficult for those living in fear of violence or abuse in their own homes. Domestic violence is not just a private matter and everyone needs to be involved in helping victims. As well as raising awareness about this issue you can also help to support families in their 'First Night' during this difficult time.

There are a range of domestic violence and sexual violence services available in Birmingham funded and delivered by organisations such as Birmingham City Council and Women's Aid. These include advice, support and emergency accommodation.

Nationally, more than a million women are victims of domestic violence every year. And every week two women lose their lives at the hands of a current or former partner. This problem is particularly acute during the Christmas and New Year period.

Central to this campaign is the support provided in the city through its network of refuges and from 5th December to 6th January there will be a range of collection points around the city where you can donate items such as colouring books, toys and toiletries to help make a difficult 'First Night' in a refuge a little easier.

The current collection points are as follows:

Selly Oak Constituency Office, 1459 Pershore Rd, Stirchley, B30 2JL (Community Safety)

Maypole Childrens Centre, 15 Grendon Road, Warstock, B14 4RB

Billesley Hub, 725 Yardley Wood Road, B13 0PT (15th December only from 9am-12pm)

Woodgate Valley Fire Station, 161 Stonehouse Lane, Quinton, B32 3AG

Bournville Lane Police Station, 341 Bournville Lane, B30 1QX (For Police Officers/Public Protection Unit)

Allens Croft Childrens Centre, Allens Croft Road, Kings Heath, B14 6RP

Northfield Fire Station, South Road, B31 2RB (collection on 15th December)

Chinn Brook Childrens Centre, 213 Trittiford Road, Billesley, B13 0ET

Fox Hollies Leisure Centre, Shirley Rd, Acocks Green B27 7NS

Stechford Cascades, Station Rd, Stechford

Louisa Ryland House, 44 Newhall Street. B3 3PL (BCC Performance Review Team)

Birmingham Womens Hospital, Mindlesohn Way, Edgbaston, B15 2TG (Reception)

Thank you for your support.