A SOUTHAMPTON refuge is appealing for gift vouchers to help bring festive cheer to residents this Christmas.

South Hampshire's Women's Refuge is asking members of the public to help the vulnerable women and children they support by offering Amazon gift vouchers

Operated by social and supported housing provider Stonewater, South Hampshire Women’s Refuge offers safe and secure temporary accommodation for women escaping domestic violence and abuse, with the aim of helping them to eventually live independently in the community.

A Stonewater spokesperson said: “Christmas can be a difficult time of year for many of our residents who have had to leave their homes with next to no personal possessions to escape desperate situations. We are appealing to our community to donate e-gift vouchers through Amazon which will give our residents an opportunity to choose something special for themselves to enjoy this festive season. Even just a small donation will make a huge difference.”

E-gift vouchers for South Hampshire Women’s Refuge can be donated easily through the Amazon website. Simply go to http://amzn.to/2nUsMqS, choose the amount you want to donate, and send it to SHWR@Stonewater.org.

Stonewater owns and operates four foyers, two women’s refuges and a wide range of other supported housing projects for adults and young people across the South of England. A spokesperson said the organisation have had 37 women and 35 children in the refuge this year.