A REFUGE for victim's of domestic violence is looking for donations to help it relocate to new tailor-made premises.

Blackburn, Darwen and District Women's Aid has secured up to £250,000 in funding to build the new purpose built complex of five, two-bedroomed flats.

But workers need people to donate furnishings, office equipment and offer storage space to help with the move, planned for around October.

The project, funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council and New Leaf, the charity arm of the North British Housing group, will replace the current refuge. It will also include a block for support workers and communal areas, including a children's play area.

While WISH workers try to secure funding for furniture, office, equipment and other things needed for the new refuge, anything they can get donated will mean more money can be spent on providing vital services.

Director of the Women's Information and Self Help (WISH) Centre in Blackburn Linda Thompson said: "We're looking for a whole range of new items and would be extremely grateful to anyone who can help.

"We need everything from office furniture, beds, bedding, children's toys, kettles, toasters, pots and pans, garden furniture and computer equipment. If any firm is about to have their system upgraded and has old hardware they can donate we would be happy to take it.

"The refuge will allow women and their children to remain empowered, as they will have the privacy they all desired.

"This will give family time to heal, grow, and recover from their traumatic experience of domestic violence.

"We hope the project will become recognised for its high standards and beacon status, showing a way forward for the future."

The lack of storage space already creates a problem for WISH workers and when the donations for the new centre start coming in they desperately need somewhere to store it.

Any firm, individual, or organisation wanting to help WISH by either donating money, goods or storage space should contact the Blackburn WISH Centre on 01254 55111.