I have been contacting Swindon Pharmacies this afternoon, to ask them to join the new Government Support Scheme, Action Needed Immediately (ANI). Developed by the Home Office for victims of domestic abuse to signal that they need urgent help. All they need to do is ask for ANI to a member of staff inside a chemist.
This scheme is even more important during lockdown and throughout covid restrictions as domestic abuse cases have risen here in Swindon and elsewhere in the UK. A local pharmacy may be the only place that somebody suffering from abuse can get to and seek help.
Here is a copy of my letter below, please feel free to share this with your local pharmacy and ask them to take part in the scheme. If you would like a copy sent to you via email, please get in touch by emailing robert.buckland.mp@parliament.uk
Dear
I am writing to invite you to join the new Government support scheme, Action Needed Immediately (ANI), developed by the Home Office for victims of domestic abuse to signal that they need urgent help.
All they need to do is ask for ANI to a member of staff inside a chemist.
The number of people needing help from Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS) during the first lockdown increased by 41% compared to the same period, April 1st – November 30th, in 2019 and currently, 22 vulnerable women and their families are housed at the emergency refuge.
I understand that your business and staff are facing many challenges during the Pandemic, however, an essential retailer in your local community, regardless of if you are a small local pharmacy or a larger High St branch, you and your team can make a real difference. You could provide a safe space for victims to sound an alarm if they are isolated at home with their abuser and unable to get help in another way.
You can find out further details about the scheme as well as training information and promotional materials here:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ask-for-ani-domestic-abuse-co…
If you require any further information, or you have any questions about this scheme, please do not hesitate to contact me.
If you sign up to the scheme, please let me know so that I share this information with residents in your local community.
Yours,
Robert
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
MP for South Swindon
Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor
