A DOMESTIC violence charity set to expand into the building next door to meet the spiralling need for its services is appealing to the public to help it raise a £41,000 shortfall.

My Sister’s Place in Middlesbrough has been based at 123 Borough Road since 2002 offering help to abused women.

By securing planning permission to take over the adjoining townhouse and adding an extension, the safe haven, which is not a refuge, will triple its floorspace from May next year to increase the raft of support available to victims.

Grants from the Northern Rock Foundation as well as the Another Brick in the Wall charity ball together with businesses and well-wishers, have already raised 90 per cent of the £420,000 total in just 18 months.

It is now turning to local to the community to help plug the funding gap and it is urging them to take part in money-spinning events or make a donation through the Big Give page https://secure.thebiggive.org.uk/charity/view/64070/my-sisters-place.

Becky Rogerson, My Sister’s Place chief officer, said: “Over the years we have expanded our services to meet what has been a continuous rising demand - in the year 2013/14 we received 1650 referrals and have supported 949 women within this very small building, a 54 per cent increase on the previous year.”

“The extended building will enable us to see more people in crisis, improve facilities within the building for service users and deliver more services such as support groups and counselling sessions.

“It’s going to make a huge difference to the way we can help women suffering domestic violence and we want to give the public the opportunity to invest in the future safety of women and children at risk of harm.”

“We are asking for the general public to help us as we are a service for the people of Teesside, if 41,000 local people each gave £1 each they could help make this happen,” added service manager, Michelle O’Rourke.

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald has announced that he supports Labours new £3m national fund to help women’s refuges under threat of closure.

“Britain was one of the first countries to pioneer safe houses for those fleeing violence. And women can be at greatest risk when they make the brave decision to leave,” he said.

“Refuges provide a vital safe-haven with expert support to help families get back on their feet and start rebuilding their lives. It is vital that victims in Middlesbrough know that services are there for them.”