The Independent and Refuge have joined forces to launch a life-changing, first of its kind initiative. The Brick by Brick campaign will see The Independent’s readers coming together with businesses and celebrities to build a home for women and children fleeing domestic abuse.
With a goal of raising £300,000, the emergency appeal, which is backed by a huge list of high-profile names including Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Patrick Stewart, Olivia Colman, Dame Joanna Lumley, Andi Oliver and David Morrissey will raise funds to build an innovative refuge in partnership with Persimmon Homes.
In the UK today, thousands of women and children live in constant fear, trapped in abusive homes. Tragically, every two hours a woman is turned away from an overburdened refuge, with nowhere else to turn. This might be because she has teenage children, more than two children, pets or complex needs.
Brick by Brick is a response to a crisis that has become even more acute in recent years. Following the global Covid-19 pandemic, calls to Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline have surged by 61%, reflecting the critical need for safe spaces where women can begin to rebuild their lives. The emergency appeal is being launched to help address — and raise awareness of — these shocking statistics:
To support the campaign, people will be asked to visit Refuge’s appeal page or text BRICK to 70560 to donate £15, with every pound donated going towards building the home — and new, safe futures for women and children.
Refuge has been at the forefront of the fight against domestic abuse for more than 50 years, providing lifesaving support and advocacy for women and children in danger. Brick by Brick will help to create a refuge that is not just a roof over heads, but is a place of safety, security and healing. The house, constructed by national housebuilder Persimmon Homes, will be equipped with discreet security measures, including CCTV and an arson-proof letterbox, ensuring that women and their children can begin to recover from trauma in an environment designed with their safety as the paramount concern. The aim is to complete the home in early 2025, providing an immediate escape route for women and children living in incomprehensible, daily danger.
The Independent has launched the campaign based on its commitment to social justice and also a belief that media has a critical role to play in addressing the most pressing issues of our time. It has partnered with Refuge since early 2023, raising awareness of its work and donating advertising to support its campaigns. During the appeal, The Independent will publish news and features about Refuge’s life changing work and include stories from survivors — in order to educate the public about different forms of abuse, and signpost how to seek support. It will be supported by an ad campaign across all of The Independent’s channels, mobilising its huge UK readership of more than 21 million people.
Geordie Greig, Editor-in-Chief of The Independent said: “I am so proud that this campaign is going to result in having The House The Independent built… with a lot of help from our readers and supporters. It will be a campaign with a permanent legacy as we build a house Brick by Brick for the most vulnerable in society, women who are victims of domestic abuse. This is a terrifying situation for too many people and we are delighted to partner with Refuge who specialise in helping this vulnerable section of society. I hope to create debate and put this crisis at the top of the political agenda to bring about greater awareness in the long term and provide sanctuary as soon as we can. Brick by Brick we promise to bring change.”
Dame Joanna Lumley has shown her support for the campaign: “To know there is a safe place which will welcome you when you are terrified is the best helping hand imaginable. Being welcomed by sheltering arms when you fear for your life, sleeping in a safe bed, having compassion and understanding all around you when you are in tatters… it’s what we wish for all victims of abuse as well as for ourselves. Do as you would be done by, and join me in supporting the House the Independent Built. Be a brick and buy a brick. I can’t think of anything kinder.”
Dame Helen Mirren, a long-time ambassador for Refuge, also lends her voice to the campaign: “Brick by Brick is a pioneering project and I’m honoured to lend my support to it. Violence against women is a national emergency: too many women are regularly killed by a partner or ex partner or die by suicide as a result of domestic abuse. This will be a very real escape route for so many women and their children. It’s such a simple idea, but will have such a huge impact for so many – and could fundamentally change the way that those who are fleeing abuse are housed and healed. I applaud Refuge and The Independent for this bold, brilliant initiative, and encourage you to give whatever you can to support it – or lend your voice to help save lives.”
Sir Patrick Stewart, who has long spoken on domestic abuse issues, says: “The Independent and Refuge’s Brick by Brick campaign to build houses for women in need won’t just change lives, it will save them. If you can support in any way you can, whether that’s by making a donation, or spreading the word about the campaign and why it’s so incredibly important, you will be helping women and children to escape abuse and build new, safe lives, free from fear.”
Abigail Ampofo, interim CEO at Refuge, highlights the importance of the initiative: “Right now, thousands of women in the UK are scared for their lives in their own homes. Fearing the sound of their partner’s key in the front door. It takes an enormous amount of courage – and planning – to flee an abuser. However, even when the decision has been made, there can be additional barriers that make escaping complicated. For practical reasons, communal refuges aren’t the right option for all survivors – for example if they have larger families or a pet. As a result, many women have no choice but to stay home where their life is still at risk.
This is why we’re delighted to be partnering with The Independent and Persimmon to raise £300,000 to build a safe, secure home where women escaping abusive partners – can find their freedom and sleep safely.”
Anthony Vigor, Chair of the Persimmon Charitable Foundation, said: “The Foundation is pleased to be working in partnership with Refuge and The Independent on this positive campaign which recognises the importance of helping women and children flee domestic abuse. Everyone has a right to feel safe in their home and we are delighted to play our part in building what will become a sanctuary for a family affected by this issue.”
For more information or to donate, people can visit: Donate to Refuge | Help Stop Domestic Violence or text BRICK to 70560 to donate £15.
Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24/7 on 0808 2000 247. As well as offering advice and support, Refuge provides information on accessing emergency temporary accommodation whilst waiting for a space in a specialist refuge.
