VICTIMS of domestic abuse will receive some festive cheer this Christmas thanks to a collection at a Bournemouth café bar.

The owners of Flirt, Rob Hazell and Peter Moody, are appealing for gifts for families supported by BCHA which runs two women’s refuges in the Poole and Bournemouth area.

Peter said: “We are really pleased to help again this year, as we have each year so far. The wonderful customers and friends of Flirt are always so generous and we hope that this year we can beat our previous record of the number of presents for those who probably feel a bit forgotten.”

Anyone who can donate is asked to place presents which are either unwrapped or in open gift bags under the tree of the café, in The Triangle, by 12pm on December 22 in time for BCHA staff to deliver them.

Peter added: “Many of our friends add a small present to their shopping and put it under our tree on their way home it is as easy as that and makes such a huge difference. It is great to know that those in a Dorset refuge this year will have a slightly happier Christmas because of what we can all do.”

BCHA is a specialist housing and social care provider, helping homeless and vulnerable people access the right housing, health, learning and work opportunities.

Paul Tucker, from BCHA, said: “We are delighted that once again Flirt Café is supporting BCHA, and in particular our Women’s Refuges, this Christmas. This time of year is always a particularly difficult time for the women and children in our refuges. “However, through the generosity of Flirt and the public, we can deliver some joy with gifts and help reassure them that this year they are safe and not living with fear, intimidation and violence.”