Lack of funds threatens Stratford Refuge

Desperate efforts are being made to save a domestic violence safe house in Stratford amid fears that it could close due to a lack of funds.

Stratford Refuge, which helps women and children fleeing domestic violence, urgently needs to raise £21,000 this financial year and is appealing to the public for help.

Last year Refuge managed to raise an incredible £33,000 to keep its Stratford site open, thanks to the support of The Herald, Stratford Town Trust and a number of kind-hearted individuals.

After encouraging a number of local organisations come forward to help the refuge, the Herald raised more than £5,000 for the cause at its charity gala last May.

Despite receiving a £15,000 grant from the Town Trust this year, the charity is once again facing a shortfall in funding.

Sandra Horley CBE, chief executive of Refuge, said: “At this stage of the year we just do not know what will happen.

“If Refuge is unable to raise the funds then we may be forced to consider closing the service. However, we will do our utmost to avoid this from happening – we know only too well that women and children rely on this service and we will fight to keep it open.

“Last year the readers of The Stratford Herald gave Refuge wonderful support. We are again appealing to them to support this vital service. It would be wonderful if community groups, schools, colleges and individuals take up the baton and raise funds to protect this service.

“In a climate of squeezed local authority budgets, the generosity of the public is vital in maintaining our life-saving services; please know that any money you give will directly benefit women and children experiencing domestic violence.

“1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives. Two women a week are killed by a partner or ex-partner in England and Wales. Domestic violence is the biggest social issue facing women in this country. It won’t just be an inconvenience if the Stratford refuge closes; lives could be lost. Stratford refuge saves and changes lives; it must not close. ”

Stratford Refuge has the capacity to support five women and their children at any one time and last year supported 30 women and their children fleeing violence.

Refuge stepped in to save Stratford refuge from closure in 2014, and today the charity employs one full time and one part time member of staff at an anonymous location in the town.

It does not just provide a roof over a woman or child’s head, staff at the refuge give them the building blocks they need to begin a new life, free from violence and fear.

Refuge opened the world's first refuge in Chiswick, West London, in 1971. It is now the country's largest single provider of specialist accommodation and support to women and children escaping domestic violence and other forms of violence and abuse.

If you would like to donate to Stratford Refuge visit https://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/refuge/savestratfordrefuge16.

If you would like support in organising a fundraising event in aid of Stratford refuge email fundraising@refuge.org.uk to receive a fundraising pack.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse visit www.refuge.org.uk to see what support is available.