A popular Netflix series has inspired the manager of one of Glow's domestic abuse refuge to create a more inclusive and dignified way of distributing clothes donations to residents.

Donna Boon is the Service Manager at Glow's Stoke-on-Trent refuge. In her role, she oversees safe accommodation, including a refuge, for individuals and families who have fled domestic abuse.

When she watched Maid, a Netflix drama series about a young mum who fled an abusive relationship, she was inspired by a project that gave refuge residents the chance to ‘shop’ donated clothes.

No money was involved, but it was a way for women to take back some normality – and dignity – when it came to receiving donations.

Having seen her own customers face similar experiences to the main character of the show, Donna knew it was something that she could implement for her residents.

She explained more about the idea: “I watched Maid, and it was an incredible series about a woman who fled abuse with her young child. She spent time in a refuge, and they had a really lovely way that they distributed their clothes donations.

“They had a spare room, which they turned into a mini shop. They added rails and sorted all the donations into sizes, so that their customers could essentially go shopping. They didn’t have to pay for anything, but they had a little basket, and it was a way to have that sense of normalcy in picking what they wanted and trying it on. That shopping experience.

“It sparked an idea in my head. We are really lucky to receive lots of donations from our supporters in the local community, but normally they will arrive in bin bags. If we haven’t the chance to sort them straightaway, customers will see them and ask if they can have a look. Of course we always say yes, but then they are essentially rummaging through a bin bag for clothes.

“The people we support have been through so much. They have fled abuse and lost everything familiar to them - their home, their sense of self, all to reach safety. Now they’re rummaging through a black bin bag to find something to wear. It’s degrading, and they are worth so much more than that.

“I knew that I wanted to change something, so when I saw the scene in Maid, it totally inspired me. I thought to myself, ‘I can do that.’”

Donna worked with her team to find the right space for their own version of the shop. With support from Honeycomb Group’s Bids and Grants team, they also received support from local businesses, who donated materials and time to make the vision a reality.

“Finding the right home for the shop was a bit of a challenge, but ultimately we transformed an existing space, which has now become multifunctional. It’s our emergency bedspace – a lovely room with a bed, soft furnishings and decorations. It’s a place for women who need emergency accommodation for a night or too at short notice.

“There was some space in the room, so we decided to add wardrobes and drawers. These were kindly donated by Howdens in Biddulph, and fitted by local joiner Matt Taplin, of Taplin’s Joinery. It means so much to us that they donated the furniture, and their time, to help us with this project.”

Matt Taplin, of Taplin’s Joinery, said: “I’m always more than happy to help charities and I think that Glow do some brilliant work locally. When I saw that they needed help with a project in their Stoke safe accommodation scheme, I was more than happy to offer my skills and time to support them. 

“On a professional level, it was also a great job for me to work on as I was interested in the Howdens wardrobes, and what better way for me to check them out than going and installing them. I’m thrilled that it has had such a positive impact on the customers that Glow supports in safe accommodation.”

The team at Howdens in Biddulph added: "We were onboard with helping a local charity because we believe in supporting our community and making a positive impact on the lives of those around us and who use the amazing service."

Donna continued: “This kind of support is just brilliant. Any money that we’re able to save, for example with the support we had through this project, is money that can go directly back to the customers.

“The room looks fantastic now, and we’ve had some great feedback from customers. There’s a lock on the door and a full-length mirror, so they can really take their time to try different bits on and find some new outfit. As I’ve said before, our customers have been through so much, and I can’t bear the thought of them having to rummage through bin bags to find something to wear.

“I think it’s amazing that me simply watching a TV series has sparked such a fantastic initiative at our refuge, which is having a wonderful impact on the women that we support.”