PEOPLE are being asked to help those affected by domestic abuse by walking, dancing, running or jumping this summer - any distance they like.

The district’s Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) hopes as many people as possible will sign up for July’s Big Yorkshire Tour and help support adults and young people affected by abuse in the home.

People can take up the challenge on their own, as a family, or as part of a team; decide the distance, and come up with creative ways to take part. It can be carried out inside the home or garden, or as part of daily exercise.

Last year’s event saw people skateboarding, roller skating and even kayaking the miles, raising £20,000 which went towards lifesaving services for more than15,000 people, including refuge accommodation, outreach services and support to children and adults affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

This year IDAS hopes to raise even more, so it can run more online groups, develop innovative programmes of support, and continue to deliver an uninterrupted service during the pandemic.

Sarah Hill, IDAS chief officer, said:“The lockdown has been difficult for many people, for those living with a controlling or abusive partner there will have been little to no respite or relief.

“As lockdown restrictions lift, our teams are responding to a surge in calls to our helplines and we want to make sure that everyone who contacts us receives the support they need.

“To do this we need additional funds to meet the demands and we are asking the public to support us by taking part in the tour. We hope that the IDAS Big Yorkshire Tour will bring people together around an important cause and let people know that our support is available to anyone affected by domestic abuse.”

To get involved, register on the IDAS Big Yorkshire Tour website: BigYorkshireTour.idas.org.uk, and set up a fundraising page to collect sponsorship or pay a one-off joining fee.

If you are worried that you or someone you know may be experiencing abuse you can call the IDAS helpline on 03000 110 110 or email info@idas.org.uk.