THE closure of an Exeter children's home could open the door for a new Women's Refuge in the city.
That is the hope of campaigners who have been fighting to re-establish the refuge which closed earlier this year after nearly 40 years offering a safe haven to vulnerable women and children.
Thousands signed a petition to save it and now supporters, led by the Stop Abuse for Everyone(SAFE) group, is determined to have replacement.
Chris Collier, chairman of trustees for Stop Abuse for Everyone, said: "There has been a great deal of public support for the campaign but so far no one has been able to come forward with an offer of funding or an alternative site.
"Exeter City Council have been very good along with some county councillors. There are a few children's homes in Exeter that might become available. They would be ideal.
"We are just hoping someone will see sense as, while there area outreach services that can provide a superb service there is a significant number of women with children with high risk who need a safe haven in crisis."
Among the children's homes empty at the moment is the Rifford Road centre - which has only recently undergone an expensive and extensive refurbishment and extension.
In a bid to raise funds for the SAFE campaign Exeter histotrian and author,Dr Todd Gray has organised a fund-raising lecture in support of SAFE – taking as his theme Exeter's Women and the Great War
The lecture starts a 12pm on Tuesday, May 27 at the Exeter Guildhall in High Street.
Dr Gray said: "I feel quite strongly, as I know many others do, that women who feel their personal safety is threatened should have a place to go to.
" Support for a Refuge crosses all the boundaries - I know many men as well as women who are just as supportive for a Refuge here in Exeter.
"It also crosses the age barriers. I am hoping that we will have a full crowd on the 27th and give a strong message that the public feels a Refuge is one of the hallmarks of a civilised society.
"I appreciate that we live in financially-pressed times but I cannot bear to think that there are women today in Exeter who would be uncertain as to where they can go to be safe.
"All of the proceeds of the day will go to helping establish a new Refuge in Exeter.
" I am giving my time as is Stormpress in printing the tickets and Topics is designing them. This is only a small gesture but I hope that we can raise a thousand pounds which will make a positive contribution to what is a very serious issue."
Tickets for Dr Gray's lecture are £10 (all proceedings to SAFE) and are available from the Guildhall .
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