Nationwide Building Society donated nearly £10,000 to a women’s refuge in Salisbury to upgrade the site’s security.

Nationwide employee Ruth Davies, who applied for the funding, presented Caroline Probert, the Chair of Trustees at Salisbury Women’s Refuge, with a cheque for £9,840 outside Nationwide’s Salisbury branch on Old George Mall.

The money went towards new CCTV security camera equipment, which is now up and running at the refuge.

Nationwide Colleague Grants programme gives staff members who volunteer with local charities the opportunity to apply for funding up to £10,000.

(Image: PR)

READ MORE: Step inside the 'hidden oasis' which 13 independent traders call home

This year the initiative has donated over £947,000 to 125 charities up and down the country. Nationwide has recently launched the Safe Space initiative, with Salisbury among the 400 branches involved, offering discreet support for anyone facing domestic abuse, not just Nationwide customers.

This initiative provides a suitable environment for anyone needing to make calls to third-party experts and helplines. Salisbury branch colleagues have received specialised training to help support those experiencing abuse, including helping them manage their finances, providing access to a specialist support team and other resources.

Caroline Probert, Chair of Trustees at Salisbury Women’s Refuge, said: “Feedback we receive from residents in the refuge tells us that they value the CCTV as an important part of the security there.

"We are very grateful to Nationwide for making us part of their Colleague Grant scheme and enabling this improvement to be carried out.”

Ruth Davies, Strategy and Insight Analyst at Nationwide, said: “Protection against domestic abuse is vital, and I‘m so glad that the money I applied for from Nationwide has already started to improve women’s safety and help those in desperate situations.”