A CENTRE that helps women who have suffered abuse has been saved from closure after receiving £40,000 in funding.
The future of Derby Women's Centre was under threat because it was crumbling – with a badly damaged roof and basement.
Now it has been saved, thanks to the funding from an unnamed source.
The centre can now allow mothers to take their children along because the cash has allowed a creche to be built.
The building in Leopold Street will also have its roof repaired and alterations to the basement, to be used for storage.
Chief executive Yasmin Nazir said: "It's fantastic news that the centre has been saved.
"We had the confirmation of the grant through on an email. We were elated and could not stop jumping up and down. There were a few screams as well.
"It was a big relief because it felt like a bit of a cloud hanging over us all."
Derby Women's Centre supports 500 victims of domestic and sexual abuse, as well as those with mental health problems, each year.
Its annual running costs are around £140,000, which are raised from lottery grants, the centre's own fund-raising and donations.
Yasmin said: "We can now deliver a service to a much bigger audience.
"The building is the fabric of what we do and it will be like having a brand-spanking new one."
Tasha Allen said the centre had been important in helping her cope with the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of her grandfather when she was younger. Now 22, she has waived her right to anonymity to talk about her experiences.
Grandfather Reginald Allen was jailed for four years after he admitted indecent assault, indecency with a child, sexual activity with a child and causing a child to engage in sexual activity.
She said: "The centre is great because I can go whenever I want.
"I call the people there my second family because of the help they've given me. I really can't thank them enough.
"I have rebuilt my confidence. I would be an emotional wreck without them."
Tasha confronted Allen about the abuse when she realised that what he had done was wrong after watching a sex education video at school.
Tasha said Allen, of Manor Road, Ashbourne, stopped abusing her as frequently when she reached puberty.
The creche will mean her son, Tyler-James, four, can visit the centre.
Tasha said: "I have already done the centre's Freedom programme to find a way to cope after what my grandad did. The creche will be a huge help."
