CHESTER is preparing to take a stand against domestic abuse with a series of high profile events to mark this year’s White Ribbon Day.

A pink fire engine sporting a white ribbon, a giant washing line with 588 white T-shirts hung on it, the release of 365 white balloons and a one-mile walk are just some of the activities that will take place on Friday, November 25.

The events mark the launch of the borough’s bid to gain White Ribbon status, demonstrating that domestic abuse won’t be tolerated in Cheshire West and Chester and that public, voluntary and community bodies are working together to raise the profile of the issue, change attitudes and encourage people in abusive relationships to seek help.

The focus on November 25 will be on men standing together to show that they don’t condone or accept domestic violence.

A number of positive West Cheshire male role models will be getting involved to help reinforce this message and show their support for the campaign:

• On Saturday, November 19, Chester Football Club will be posing for photos wearing white ribbons at their game at the Deva Stadium against Matlock Town.

• On the same day, the DeeSign Deaf Choir and one of Chester’s giants will be supporting Chester Women’s Aid who will be handing out ribbons and collecting money by Chester Town Hall between 11am and 1pm.

• On Sunday, November 20, Cheshire Jets will be posing for photographs wearing white ribbons at their fixture against the Newcastle Eagles at the Northgate Arena.

And on White Ribbon Day itself – Friday, November 25– here’s what to look out for:

• Chester – at 11am catch up with the pink fire engine at the council’s HQ building in Nicholas Street, then join in with the one-mile walk through Chester city centre (leaving HQ at midday) to raise awareness about domestic abuse.

The Lord Mayor, Eleanor Johnson, council leader Mike Jones, elected members, senior council officers and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service are among those walking the mile.

• Ellesmere Port – at 2pm witness 588 white T-shirts being pegged on a giant washing line across Civic Square – one T-shirt for each of the 588 domestic abuse incidents reported to the police between April 2010 and March 2011 in the Ellesmere Port area. The fire engine will also be on the square.

As well as going along to these events and wearing a white ribbon on November 25, people are being encouraged to pledge their support for the campaign by visiting www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/makepledge.

By clicking on Cheshire West and Chester on the map you can make your personal pledge to never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women.

Colleagues from the Local Domestic Abuse Partnership including local refuges, Cheshire Police and health agencies are also undertaking activities to mark the day and all partners are ensuring that both women and men experiencing domestic abuse know where support is available both nationally and within the borough.

Cllr Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment, said: “During 2010/11 police recorded 1,749 incidents of domestic abuse across the borough. A total of 365 cases were classed as high or very high risk.

“With everyone working together, we can organise and involve communities in preventative activities and alter the attitudes that lead to violent behaviour.”

If you are worried about domestic abuse, the following support is available:

National helpline: 0808 2000 247; Domestic Abuse Family Safety Unit: 01606 351375; Refuge & Community Support: 01244 314950 and 01606 871523; Men’s helpline: 0808 801 0327; Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender helpline: 0300 999 5428.

To report domestic abuse happening to someone in your community visit: www.cheshire.police.uk/contact-us/report-online/report-domestic-abuse.aspx.