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Spalding mental health advocate Vanessa Browning founder of Community Mind Matters completes 60 mile challenge in aid of Refuge




A mental health campaigner spoke of her dream of opening a safe house for women after completing a 60-mile challenge in one month to raise awareness about domestic abuse.

Vanessa Browning, founder of Community Mind Matters, has been walking every day in Spalding to raise funds and awareness for Refuge, a charity supporting women and children who have experienced domestic violence.

Mrs Browning started the challenge in Ayscoughfee Hall Museum and Gardens walking two miles daily in aid of the charity which reports that one in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.

Vanessa Browning kicked off her Refuge challenge in Ayscoughfee Hall Museum and Gardens. PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Vanessa Browning kicked off her Refuge challenge in Ayscoughfee Hall Museum and Gardens. PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Mrs Browning said: “My dream would be to run a safe house and pop-up places for women to go.

“There are safe spaces in pharmacies and banks but it is daunting to go to a police station.”

“Refuge is a really great charity and we need more places where people can get more information.”

Vanessa Browning. PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Vanessa Browning. PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Having experienced domestic abuse herself Mrs Browning took on the challenge to show that there are people out there willing to help those who seek to leave a violent relationship.

The campaign encouraged supporters to walk two miles a day to ‘help women live free from fear’ and make a life-changing difference.

Mrs Browning said: “It takes a lot of strength to leave - planning an escape - it is not easy sailing.

“Refuge is an amazing charity and I have used their services to help people.

“It is important to raise money but also to raise awareness.”

Earlier this year she encouraged businesses to be involved with Mental Health Awareness Week by putting posters in their windows.

Her group Community Mind Matters offers non-clinical mental health guidance to help guide people through the challenges life brings with open and honest conversation.

For more information visit the Refuge website.

What do you think? Would safe houses help to protect victims of domestic abuse? Post your comments below…



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