‘Brick by Brick’ campaign launched to build a lifesaving refuge for women escaping domestic abuse

Persimmon is proud to support The Independent and Refuge in their launch of 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.

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:

• One in four women are affected by domestic abuse in their lifetime
• One woman is killed by an abusive partner or ex every five days, on average (in England and Wales)
• Every week, approximately three women die by suicide as a result of domestic abuse
• Every two minutes, someone turns to Refuge for help

To support the campaign, people can 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 Persimmon, 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.

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.