High Heeled Heroes raise awareness of domestic violence

More than fifty men from St.Helens swapped their sensible shoes for stilettoes to walk a mile in support of the White Ribbon Campaign against domestic violence.

The high-heeled heroes, from Helena, Your Housing Group, Platform 51 and Addaction, raised over £2,000 for the charity by surprising shoppers with a parade through the town centre. Each organisation supports local people affected by domestic violence, with Helena also providing an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate service for the St Helens borough.

Earlier this year, Helena invested over half a million pounds in a specially-designed refuge which provides private accommodation for men, women and children fleeing domestic violence. Les Rowe, Senior Clerk of Works at Helena, said: "I was involved with our new refuge right from the planning stages and have seen first-hand how it has changed people's lives for the better.

"By walking a mile in women's shoes we wanted to make people stop and think about an issue which can often be hidden, even within families."

The walk came as part of the 'Seven Days To Make A Change' campaign from St Helens Council, which also included a youth conference about domestic violence. It culminated at Asda St Helens, where further fundraising activity took place with the support of local agencies Platform 51 and Addaction.

Alex Went, Tenancy Enforcement Officer at Your Housing Group, said: "We were proud to support this event and it was great to see so many male colleagues willing to swap their flats for heels to take part.

"We hope it will help to raise awareness of the effects of domestic violence on every family member involved."

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, you can call Helena's 24 Hour Domestic Violence Helpline on 01925 220 541 or the Independent Domestic Violence Advocate on 01744 743 200. To sign the St Helens pledge against domestic violence, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/whiteribbon.