A RYEDALE business is backing a charity supporting anyone affected by domestic abuse this Christmas.

The campaign from IDAS is asking firms to think about those escaping domestic abuse who might be spending the festive season in one of the charity's refuge.

Participating businesses are donating a percentage of their proceeds throughout the month of December.

Nicky and Al Kippax, owners of The Bluebird Bakery based in The Talbot Yard, Malton, are supporting the campaign by donating 10% of all their ciabatta loaves throughout December.

Nicky said: “Our chosen Christmas charity this year is IDAS.

"It's a local charity close to our hearts and has seen unprecedented calls to its helpline during the pandemic.

"It's hugely important that we give our backing to such a worthwhile cause - helping to raise awareness and financial support to people subjected to domestic abuse and violence - and the children who have been impacted."

IDAS is the largest specialist charity in Yorkshire supporting anyone experiencing or affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence. T

his year, they have supported more than 10,000 people in the community and responded to more than 22,000 helpline calls.

Their Christmas campaign is inviting individuals and businesses to donate a percentage of the proceeds from a product or service throughout the month of December.

IDAS hope that many businesses will join the campaign to show their support for those escaping domestic abuse in our region and encourage others to follow suit to raise £10,000.

CEO, Sarah Hill said “We are asking people and the business community to donate to our Christmas campaign so that we can keep supporting people subjected to abuse and violence, to rebuild their self-esteem and support children who have been impacted to recover from their experience.

"This has been a year of extraordinary challenges and the impact of COVID on those living with abusers has been extreme, with victims having had less access to their normal support networks, friends, or family members.

"For IDAS this meant an unprecedented demand for our support. Our helplines were the busiest they have ever been."

Sarah added: "The move out of lockdown will mean that many are able to seek support and we anticipate an increase in demand for our services for some time to come.

"We also offer expert advice and support to people who have been affected by sexual violence and abuse. and rely on donations to keep this vital source of income.”

For more information about IDAS or to make a donation to their Christmas Appeal, visit https://www.idas.org.uk/donate/