In the north of England, an organization called IDAS provides support to people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. As rates of intimate partner violence have increased globally throughout COVID-19 lockdowns, their work has become more important than ever. To support their mission, Random Acts is partnering with IDAS to provide funds for 50 care kits for individuals escaping abuse.
The Impact of Caring
There are many challenges inherent in fleeing domestic violence. While these can be both big and small, emotional and logistical, they are all important and require energy to address. Having basic needs met – toiletries, food, clothes – can be one less thing these courageous individuals worry about. Having these essentials allows more time and emotional space for healing and moving forward. Recognizing this, each care kit was personalized to its recipient, providing what would meet their most immediate, individualized needs. From food to toothbrushes to diapers, each person received goods to make their lives easier and more secure.
This act had a significant impact on recipients in a variety of ways. One staff member noted that “for our clients, care packages remind them that people care about them.” Several care package recipients also shared how this act of kindness affected their lives. One said that “receiving a care package today will make a real difference for me this week.” 
Another expressed that what they received, “has made my new house feel like a home.” Andrea Williams, the Interim Community Service Manager at IDAS, summed up the importance of these care kits: “The financial donation from Random Acts will make a real difference to the families we support, many of whom escape abuse with little more than the clothes they are wearing. As well as being able to provide the packages when people arrive in our accommodation, we can also provide packages to families who are moving on to a fresh start, giving them a helping hand getting back on their feet.”
Care in Your Community
The incredible work IDAS does is critical within the community in the north of England. But this work is also being done by many organizations around the world. If you would like to learn more about IDAS’s work and how you can help, please visit their website. If you would like to provide an act of kindness to individuals affected by domestic violence in your area, please visit our Perform an Act of Kindness page to learn how we can help.