A CHARITY that helps victims of domestic abuse has won £50,000 in lottery funding to expand – but now faces losing the cash before it is spent.
Derby Women's centre needs £170,000 for an extension and refurbishment to keep up with demand after seeing a 65% increase in users over a two-year period.
The centre has already won one battle to stay open after it fell victim to council cuts earlier this year, but was reprieved when the Big Lottery Fund provided a grant of £50,000.
As part of the extension, it would expand its creche facilities for parents to take their children when getting support.
The money will also be put into its perpetrator service, which tries to stop offenders committing abuse.
Chief executive Yasmin Nazir puts the big increase in demand for its help down to the closure of other services in Derbyshire.
The 45-year-old said another reason is the number of "new and emerging communities" being created by the number of people moving to the city from abroad.
"The impact of these cuts has been huge and we're fortunate we can still operate.
"The demand is out-stripping the supply and that's why we need to expand.
"I'm pleased more women are coming forward to get help, but at the same time it's frustrating that we have been left to pick up the pieces from closed centres."
However, since the £50,000 grant was confirmed, the charity has learned that structural concerns with the roof and basement must be addressed before work on the extension can begin.
The stark truth is that to complete the work, the charity needs another £132,000.
If this cannot happen, the grant is at risk of being withdrawn by June.
Ms Nazir said the centre was applying for cash from other sources but was also asking for support from the local community to turn the project into reality.
The centre has seen an increase in abused men coming forward since a Coronation Street story line involving the characters Tyrone and Kirsty.
It supports about 500 women a year via services such as counselling, support groups, advice services, social activities, confidence building and creative therapeutic activities.
Mrs Nazir added: "We would be grateful for any support from the local community – from financial contributions to more tangible donations such as kitchen units, tiles and carpets.
"All contributions will be invaluable in helping us to carry out the building work so that we can extend our support to more women, especially those currently unable to access our services due to childcare issues."
![Derby centre may lose £50,000 lottery funding to help abused women]( "Derby centre may lose £50,000 lottery funding to help abused women")
