A NEW charity shop has opened its doors to help raise support for domestic abuse services.

The Walk and Talk Today charity shop held its grand opening in Ffynnongroew on Friday, November 27.

The charity was founded in March 2020 by Louise Rudd who works for North Wales Police where, through work, she experiences the issues of domestic abuse on a daily basis.

With friend Lesley Hunt they set up a temporary pop up shop in their local Community Centre, however due to demand a permanent residence was needed.

A few months later residence was secured at Unit 3 of The Old Boathouse, on Main Road in Ffynnongroew.

Susan Terry, manager at Global Lift Equipment in Flint, with the help of her team, provided carpet and furnishings for the shop as the charity continues to go from strength to strength.

Joining the team on their Open Day was Hannah Blythyn MS, Sir David Hanson, Councillor Glyn Banks, Naomi Mumba-Dobson from DASU (North Wales Domestic Abuse Safety Unit) and Marie Williams a domestic abuse officer from North Wales Police.

Commenting on the severity of domestic abuse in North Wales, Marie said: “Domestic abuse is always at the forefront and is a priority for North Wales Police.

“This year has been extremely challenging for victims who are ‘trapped’ at home as a consequence of COVID and subsequent lockdowns. However statistics report that since April 10, 760 domestic abuse reports were made to NWP compared to 10,752 last year - a drop of 0.8 per cent.

“Whilst it is encouraging to see a decrease, it was apparent that during lockdown there was a reduction in reporting seen all over England and Wales. In the new year, all front line officers will be given current up to date training in Domestic Abuse to ensure that they are equipped with knowledge of the most up to date legislation and the ever changing dynamics of domestic abuse”.

Louise commented: “We are overwhelmed by how generous people have been with donations.

“However we would like to ask one more favour, now what we really need are customers through the door so please spread the word and come and see us, we have fantastic gifts for Christmas, lots of new items donated and vacancies for volunteers if anyone has free time to spare!”

Showing her support on the day, 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.

"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.”

Cllr Glyn Banks added: “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 shop, ran by entirely volunteers, is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm and also on Sunday from 11am to 3pm.

Monies raised will go to DASU to help support the families start their new journey.