Child Abuse Survivor Fears Nottingham Charity Faces Closure and Loss of Support
A Nottingham charity that aids abuse survivors is at risk of closing soon, leaving many without vital support services.
Nottingham, Charity, Abuse Survivors, Support for Survivors, Mental Health
Nottingham: A man who survived childhood abuse is worried. His charity, Support for Survivors, is close to shutting down. This charity helps many victims of rape and abuse each year. Without more funding, it may only last two more months.
Phillip Dooley, 74, uses the charity’s services. He attends weekly drop-in sessions at Sherwood Community Centre. Phillip says this place gives him a safe space to share his experiences. He was abused from age four at Beechwood children’s home in Mapperley.
Phillip shared, “I was suicidal twice, and this place helped me.” He believes many others will miss out if the charity closes. “This place is a life-saver,” he added. He appreciates the community and support he finds there.
Maxi Leigh started the charity in 2014. She says they lost funding after Nottingham City Council cut support for charities. Now, they face tough competition for grants. “If we close, it will greatly affect lives,” she warned.
Maxi recalled a time they saved someone from jumping off a bridge. She has invested her own savings into the charity. “We’re really on the brink,” she said, expressing her concern for the future.
Marylin Lowe, 74, now manages the service. She first sought help in 2017. “I was a wreck,” she admitted. Now, she wants to help others smile. Her experiences allow her to connect with new visitors.
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. “We’ve reached out to the Integrated Care Board, but they haven’t responded,” Maxi said.
There is hope, though. The charity is close to getting funding from the National Lottery. However, time is running out, and they need help fast. Donations are welcome to keep the charity running.
An NHS spokesperson acknowledged the charity’s value but stated they cannot provide additional funding. They mentioned existing services for sexual violence survivors, like the adult sexual violence hub.