Domestic abuse group seeks lifeline from businesses (From Wharfedale Observer)

Domestic abuse group seeks lifeline from businesses

7:02pm Wednesday 26th September 2007 in Local news By Annette McIntyre

A group which helps victims of domestic abuse is asking businessmen and women to help them overcome their cash crisis.

Behind Close Doors, which has been helping women throughout Wharfedale for a decade, is facing possible closure because of a lack of funding.

Now staff and volunteers at the group, who are holding their own fund-raising events, are hoping that businesses will rally round to enable them to continue to help women.

Group spokeswoman Louise Tyne is inviting representatives of businesses to attend a management committee meeting on November 21.

She said: "We have letters to send out to businesses to ask not only if they are prepared to make a donation but whether they staff would be interested in having any fund-raising activities.

"The organisation's future is very much in the balance and its fate will be decided over the next few weeks as it waits to hear decisions on funding."

Behind Closed Doors will hold an emergency meeting next week when the management committee will look an exit strategy.

Anyone who wants to donate, or women who need help, can contact the organisation on 0845 6730008.