LOCAL businesses are being encouraged to put their hands in their pockets to help a service for victims of abuse.

Woolwich-based charity the Support And Befriending Service, for victims of abuse, has won a year of sponsorship from chemical distributing company Ennis and Everard, of Bugsby's Way, Charlton.

SABS is appealing for more sponsorship to help it continue the service, which has helped thousands of local people over the four years it has been on offer.

The group is based at the Clockhouse Community Centre on the Woolwich Dockyard Estate, and offers counselling for domestic violence, a 24-hour help-line, emergency home visits, solicitors and doctors.

E&E's sponsorship will help future plans to re-site so the team can open a centre incorporating a short-term residence for therapy and care.

SABS's founder and co-ordinator Jeanette Cassidy said: "We were doing a collection at Asda in Charlton and one of the company employees approached us and said they were interested on sponsoring us. We did a presentation for their company and they decided to sponsor us."

She added: "I'd like to make companies aware it's a very good scheme to be involved in -- it's an extremely important service."

The company has planned a series of events and will donate the proceeds to the charity.

E&E's general manager Craig Watt said: "We met Mrs Cassidy a few months ago and admired her determination. We decided to sponsor her charity because everyone thought it was a good cause.

"At the moment we are thinking of a country and western evening- so it's good for staff as well."

If your company would like to sponsor the charity please contact Mrs Cassidy on 0181 317 0088.

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