A SCHEME to offer support to victims of domestic abuse is set to be piloted at a Southampton bank.

The Above Bar Street branch of HSBC has been chosen as the first place in the country to take part in the Safe Spaces initiative.

Run by the charity Hestia, the initiative aims to increase the availability of specialist support for victims of domestic abuse and provides a space for people to phone a helpline, contact a support service or talk to a friend or family member.

From today, bank staff will provide a dedicated COVID-safe room in the branch where customers and non-customers can seek help safely and securely.

Staff, who have received specialist training, will be available to offer support on issues including financial abuse, modern slavery and other criminal activity.

Safe Spaces are "needed more than ever" as figures from the charity show a 40 percent increase in people trying to access specialist support during the first lockdown, and an expected increase in subsequent lockdowns.

Maxine Pritchard, Head of Financial Inclusion and Vulnerability at HSBC UK said: “Unfortunately, many charities are reporting a rise in domestic abuse since the start of the pandemic. With limited opportunities for people to leave their homes and escape abusive situations, the support they get at their local bank branch can be crucial.

“As a bank who are dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable in society, it was important for us to be involved in the Safe Spaces scheme, alongside our work to support those experiencing financial abuse.”

HSBC UK is the largest high street bank to offer the service and Lisa Bowers, Manager of the Southampton branch said she is "delighted" they have been chosen to pilot the scheme.

She added: "With a trained team behind me I am hopeful we can support as many people as possible to get the help they need.”

Lyndsey Dearlove, Head of Domestic Abuse Prevention at Hestia said: “We are delighted to work alongside HSBC UK to provide a community response to domestic abuse with their first Safe Space opening. We hope to see this partnership expand to more branches so more people can access much-needed support.”