Child Abuse Survivor Fears for Nottingham Charity’s Future Amid Closure Threat
A survivor of childhood abuse is worried about losing vital support. The Nottingham charity that helps many is facing closure due to funding issues and needs urgent assistance.
Nottingham, England, Child Abuse, Support for Survivors, Mental Health, Charity
Nottingham: A man who suffered abuse as a child is really worried. He fears many survivors will lose crucial support as a local charity faces financial troubles.
Phillip Dooley, 74, relies on Support for Survivors. He attends their weekly drop-in sessions at Sherwood Community Centre. For him, it’s a safe space to share his experiences.
He shared, “I was suicidal twice, and this place saved me.” Phillip believes many others will miss out if the charity closes. “This place is a life-saver,” he added.
Phillip appreciates the community feel. “When we come here, we’re all equal. There’s no judgment. It feels like home,” he said. It’s a vital part of his life.
Maxi Leigh, who started the charity in 2014, is struggling. She mentioned losing grants after Nottingham City Council cut funding. Now, they’re competing for limited resources.
Maxi said, “If we close, it will impact many lives. We saved someone from jumping off a bridge.” She’s invested her own savings into the charity, feeling overwhelmed.
Marylin Lowe, 74, now manages the service. She first sought help in 2017. “I was a wreck back then,” she recalled. Now, she wants to help others smile.
The charity supports around 500 people each year, many of whom have attempted suicide. Most referrals come from the NHS, but funding has been hard to secure.
Maxi has been trying to get support from the Integrated Care Board but hasn’t heard back. “If we close, it will burden the NHS even more,” she warned.
There’s a glimmer of hope. They’re close to securing funding from the National Lottery. But time is running out, and they need help fast.
Maxi encourages donations to Support for Survivors. A spokesperson for NHS Nottingham said they recognize the charity’s value but can’t provide extra funding outside their current arrangements.