A SOUTH Gloucestershire-based domestic abuse service will have to close its doors by the end of next month unless a £100,000 funding gap can be filled.

A spokeswoman for the charity said: "It is with huge sadness that Survive announces that unless £100,000 operational funding can be secured within four weeks, it will have to cease operations on April 30."

Now the charity's workers are turning to crowdfunding to raise the shortfall in its budget.

Survice offers specialist services for women, children and families who have been or are suffering the effects of domestic violence and abuse.

In its 44 year history, the charity has helped thousands of women, children and their families.

Survive lost the funding for its adult services and refuge provision in March 2017, following a South Gloucestershire Council commissioning process. 

Since then it has continued to provide children and young people’s services from its centre in Kingswood. 

Survive's spokeswoman added: "At this moment in time, the closure will mean that the 80 children and young people on our waiting lists affected by domestic abuse will lose the vital help they need to recover from the trauma of their experiences.

"Whilst we have obtained substantial funding, specifically for front line roles, we have been unable to access sufficient funds to cover overheads.

"This includes money for rent, utilities and core function salaries which are needed to run the charity."

Cllr Erica Williams, South Gloucestershire cabinet member responsible for Public Health and chair of South Gloucestershire Partnership Against Domestic Abuse, said: “The council worked with Survive for a number of years prior to domestic abuse support services being recommissioned to a new provider last summer.

"While it is sad to hear the charity needs to secure additional funding to keep operating, I would like to take this opportunity to reassure victims of domestic violence and abuse that they will not be left without help and support in South Gloucestershire.

“Our new provider Next Link provides increased refuge capacity, along with help for female as well as male victims.

"And the two services we still run in conjunction with Survive are for children and young people so we will of course look at contingencies, and we will make sure that these vital services can continue.”

Survive's spokeswoman said: "Children who have witnessed abuse will be impacted in various ways. They may experience anxiety or depression; difficulty with sleeping; have nightmares or flashbacks; they may experience psycho-somatic symptoms including stomach aches or bed wetting.

"They may become aggressive, or internalise their distress and withdraw from others; they may have low self esteem or low confidence. They may have difficulty concentrating at school, develop behavioural problems, play truant, self harm or misuse substances. (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2004).

"There is an urgent need for services which support children in understanding and managing their experiences.

"Survive provides this essential service for children and young people who are impacted by domestic violence and abuse.

"Nationally there are few dedicated children’s services which focus on this.

"We provide 1:1 outreach sessions and deliver two bespoke group programmes, called ‘Back on Track’, for primary and secondary aged children and young people.

"Survive also delivers awareness raising courses around healthy relationships and respect across primary and secondary schools with its ‘connect with respect’ programme."

In order to raise the funds Survive has created a crowdfunding appeal at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/save-survive-children-matter

For further information call 0117 961 3065 or email info@survivedv.org.uk