Individuals in the Wellington area experiencing domestic abuse can now find a safe place in pharmacy consulting rooms.

The support system has been arranged with pharmacies by the local Pharmaceutical Council, the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Somerset County Council.

It is running in line with a similar national scheme launched by the charity Hestia, which has seen safe places set up in Boots pharmacies across the country.

Pharmacies and supermarkets are among the few places people can go during the current restrictions, and generally people are encouraged to visit them on their own. This has generated an ideal opening for anyone in an abusive relationship to seek help.

Avon and Somerset Police supported the initiative by asking PCSOs to deliver literature to pharmacies throughout the county.

The project is part of the county council’s commitment to finding ways of informing the public that domestic abuse services are open during the pandemic, and reaching out to victims of abuse facing increased challenges contacting services while being forced to self-isolate with their abuser. It can be difficult or even unsafe for someone who is self-isolating with an abuser to look for information about the help available.

This scheme gives them an opportunity to explore the possibilities of becoming free from abuse, without the risk of causing them extra harm.

Cllr Clare Paul, cabinet member with responsibility for public health and well-being, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to facilitate this innovative way of opening a channel by which people can get information about contacting our domestic abuse service.

“We have seen an increase in calls to our helpline but we know there may be people feeling trapped who are self-isolating with an abuser. It can be difficult and even unsafe to look for information or make contact with the service while in the house with the person responsible for their abuse.

“This scheme gives them opportunity to explore the possibilities of becoming free from abuse, without the risk of causing them extra harm.”