Part of a fort has become the new home for two charities who have joined together to provide clothing to women and children in need.

Domestic abuse charity Sateda and free-clothing charity Sharewear launched their new scheme last week from the hub of Fort Luton in Magpie Hall Road, Chatham. (Mar 7)

Volunteers from both charities opened the new space and unpackaged clothing for women and children who are suffering through both the cost-of-living crisis and experiences of domestic violence.

Sharewear member Sarah Sinclair said: "Clothing is so powerful in ways people don't realise. You might be putting food on the table or heating your house and clothing tends to be the last thing.

"You also find people tend to try and clothe children first."

Sateda volunteer Carey Philpott added: "Domestic abuse is at epidemic levels at the moment.

"We need to make sure women know there is support for them that isn't judgmental and can work with them to help them with long term recovery and sustaining their futures.

One Sateda volunteer who had fallen victim to domestic abuse at a young age helped to set up the charities' new home.

"It is my passion to help charities such as this," she said.

"The services here are much needed for sure as they weren't around back then.

"People shouldn't be ashamed to access this; we're here to help and support, it's about helping each other and helping people move forward."

As it stands the initiative is only providing clothing to women and children.