A domestic violence charity based in Middlesbrough is hoping to double in size to cope with a surge in demand
A domestic violence charity based in Middlesbrough is hoping to double in size to cope with a surge in demand.
My Sister’s Place, which has been based on Borough Road since 2002, is a “one stop shop” for women aged 16 and over who are experiencing domestic violence.
To meet demand, the service has grown considerably over the last 10 years from 3.5 staff to 14 paid staff members, 10 volunteers and 14 student placements from Teesside University.
The charity is hoping that a 25-year transfer deal from Middlesbrough Council will be approved so they can take over the building next door.
The Executive Sub-Committee for Property at Middlesbrough Council will discuss the proposal at a meeting next week.
The CAT (community asset transfer) would increase the support the charity can provide across Teesside. They have an agreement in place to acquire the property next door to 123 Borough Road and hope to merge the two buildings. It would also allow the charity to access capital grants which would allow them to carry out further improvements to the building.
Officers have recommended in a report that will be presented to the meeting that the transfer is approved.
My Sister’s Place chief officer Becky Rogerson said: “This is massive for us. We are bursting at the seams. We are desperate for more staff and we are desperate for more interview rooms.
“In the last three years cases have gone up 75%. This year there’s been a 52% increase.”
She said it will cost about £180,000 to expand the premises and make it “fit for purpose”.
“Northern Rock Foundation have already thrown their hat in and pledged £50,000 to get us started. They have supported us for 10 years.
“If it all gets approved then we can apply for capital grants to get more funding. We’re also putting on events to raise funds ourselves.”
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