A bank in Peterborough is now a safe space for victims of domestic abuse where those at risk can safely call a helpline, support service or a loved one. 

Store colleagues at Metro Bank in Long Causeway have been trained to offer the space to victims, many of whom are also victims of economic abuse by their partners. 

Safe spaces are part of the UK Says No More campaign and the global awareness week is this week (March 5-12). 

It calls for the end of domestic and sexual abuse which impacts nearly two million people every year in the UK. 

UK Says No More is working with several high-street locations, including Metro Bank to provide safe spaces. 

Peterborough Metro Bank Store Manager, Matt Johnson, said: “As a community bank, we want to be able to support anyone locally who wishes to use our private Safe Space to help them plan the next stages in their new life.” 

Chair of Metro Bank’s Women on Work inclusion network, Judith Lowe, said that the topic of domestic abuse has been high on the bank’s agenda over the last two years as they have worked to increase awareness through events and initiatives. 

“Our store teams already have well-established connections with local domestic abuse charities,” she said. 

“As our stores are open seven days a week, evenings and 362 days a year, we can offer extended access on the high street for those needing a safe space and we didn’t hesitate to join the UK Says No More campaign.” 

Anyone wanting to find the nearest safe space to their home should visit https://uksaysnomore.org/safespaces. 

Peterborough’s Metro Bank is open 8:30am until 6pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am until 5pm on Sunday.