Young people in need across Trinidad and Tobago have another avenue for assistance as the local arm of the global charity, Hopefull Handbags, has launched a Youth Arm to provide counselling, legal advice, mentoring, and a safe haven for persons from five to 35 years old.
Hopefull Handbags Global is a non-profit charity which began operating in 2017. Their mission is to provide safety and long term security for survivors of domestic abuse and their children.
On Sunday, President of the local arm, Clyde Robinson, shared that the charity will work with other like minded organisations as part of the holistic aspect of the charity.
“One of the things we’re doing is partnering with different clubs, different martial arts clubs, Golden Eagle, and make that connection because, again, we are here to help, we are here to break the cycle.”
He added that the organisation is also facilitating scholarships and other exciting opportunities through regional and international bodies.
“The space that we’re going to create is that sometimes something is happening and they run to us and basically we try to get a panic room that we can put them in that panic room and keep them safe and contact the necessary authority. One of the things that we’re doing is if a survivor comes to us or call us, we will walk them through the procedure, help them make the report and guide them through then hand them over to the Gender-Based Unit.”
Gender Training Officer from the Gender and Child Affairs Division, Richie Bansraj, applauded the group for its latest initiative.
“You all are engaging in positive, asset-based development. You all looking at the strengths of all of the youth, focus on all of the strengths and develop it. Grow these strengths so that you’ll become more holistic, more specific to what it is you want to do.”