TSB has launched a new fund to help support existing customers fleeing abusive relationships by providing a payment of up to £500. The ‘Emergency Flee Fund’ offers support payments of between £50 and £500 which will be paid into a TSB bank account that only the customer can access.
The amount of support paid will be based on individual needs and aims to help people with the cost of essentials such as travel, clothing and toiletries. Customers can request the support by visiting a TSB branch where all staff have received specialist training in supporting people experiencing domestic abuse.
The scheme has been developed in partnership with domestic abuse charities. TSB also becomes the first bank to join the ‘Online Safe Spaces’ initiative to offer help to victims from the TSB website, with the service becoming available in the new year.
Launched by the domestic abuse charity Hestia, Online Safe Spaces provides a discreet online portal on company websites for victims to get advice and helpful contact numbers. Importantly, it leaves no internet history trace, and provides quick exit options.
In October alone, 178,000 people used an Online Safe Space, compared to the usual average of 70,000 per month
The introduction of Online Safe Spaces will run in conjunction with the Safe Spaces TSB currently offers in its 220 branches across the UK.
In partnership with Women’s Aid, TSB is also launching a pilot scheme to allow domestic abuse victims to safely open and access a bank account, without standard documentation.
The pilot will initially run in TSB’s Alloa, Dundee and Galashiels branches in Scotland. In England, the Norwich, Swindon, Wolverhampton and Walsall branches will also offer the scheme.
Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid said: “Women’s Aid welcomes the launch of TSB’s emergency flee fund, which addresses a vital need to help survivors escape abuse in this crisis period.”
Patrick Ryan, chief executive of charity Hestia, said: “As the cost-of-living crisis continues to deepen, we are seeing an increase in demand for our domestic abuse support services.”
Carol Anderson, director of TSB’s branch network, said: “Our specially trained branch staff are ready to assist victims within their communities - and we would encourage any impacted TSB customers needing support to come and speak to us.”
Where to get immediate help
If you need help or advice contact the Refuge Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Find out more about support from TSB, here.
Find out more about Hestia and Safe Spaces, here.
To keep up to date with the latest money news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out four times each week - sign up here.
READ NEXT
-
New cost of living payments worth up to £1,350 announced for millions of people next year
-
Delayed £400 energy rebate to be paid to people in park homes as ‘soon as possible’
-
Energy firms asked to review Direct Debit process to ensure more accurate bills this winter
-
People of State Pension age may be due up to £600 heating bill help over next few weeks
