A FAMILY help service has given its thanks people supporters, after it had to make "significant" adjustments to cope with the coronavirus pandemic, while losing fundraising opportunities.

Family Help Darlington CIO, home to Darlington’s women’s Refuge, has thanked its supporters who have helped stabilise the charity for the coming year.

Running entirely on donations and grants, the charity says it has never experienced times as challenging as these in its near-50-year history, after cancelled fundraisers and having to provide adequate health and safety measures.

Family Help has also created new office space within the refuge and developed a self-contained unit for people to self-isolate before they can be tested and integrate with the rest of the household.

This, along with the provision of full PPE for staff and the increased distribution of hygienic and cleaning products for clients, has come at a significant cost.

It has also been unable to accept donations, until lockdown eases, due to the risk items may carry.

During the last financial year, Family Help supported and accommodated 63 women and 83 children; the helpline received around 325 calls.

As lockdown restrictions begin to relax, the organisation has already started to see an increase in the number of referrals received and calls made to their helpline.

Demand for services is expected to increase in the year ahead, making additional funding for the 2020/21 year "essential to the survival of the service".

Considering this, Family Help has thanked those that have already pledged financial support for next year.

Susan Degnan, assistant CEO of the charity, said: "We would like to thank all the funders, local businesses and members of the public who have donated to our appeal.

"Your support will enable us to continue to provide a service which encompasses prevention, intervention, protection and provision of a safe refuge for women and their children, while helping us respond to the needs of an ever-growing diverse group of domestic abuse victims and survivors.”

This includes National Emergencies Trust (NET) Coronavirus Appeal and County Durham Community Foundation whom, working in partnership with Darlington Borough Council, has provided the organisation with a grant.