Women fleeing domestic violence are often left with a hard choice of how to find safety, sometimes that means leaving with nothing but the clothes on their back.

For others, it could mean sleeping rough because safe shelter is too far away.

However, the Share the Dignity charity aims to help women who don’t have access to the essentials we so often take for granted.

The charity provides old handbags to women which are filled with shampoo, deodorant and sanitary items.

“There’s no better feeling that helping out someone else, even a stranger,” Griffith’s Kellie Kelly said.

“It’s essentials that people can’t live without, 40,000 bags were collected last year.

“It would mean so much to the women in this situation.”

Mrs Kelly is getting behind Share the Dignity’s national campaign to drop off handbags with essentials.

She said it was another way women could help others who are fleeing dangerous situations or find themselves without a home.

“I always say, to feel happy, you have to be make others happy,” she said.

Mrs Kelly said for the women who are helped by the charity, something as simple as a shower can often make a huge difference.

While each bag is different, they contain a set of essentials, other bags may have a few extras such as underwear, bras or even lipstick.

“It’s something to make you feel special, when you need it most,” Mrs Kelly said.

Between November 16 and December 2, hand bangs can be delivered to Bunnings in Griffith for distribution by Share the Dignity.

Essentials