A vital Lancashire women's refuge is set to transform its children's space into a vibrant hub of fun and healing, thanks to a unique community crowdfunding win. Clare House, run by Key Unlocking Futures, has been awarded £1,000 to completely revamp its children's activity room.
The funding boost was secured at the lively 'Soup Dragon's Den' event hosted by not-for-profit housing provider Progress Housing Group at St Mary's Community Centre in Leyland. Six community groups spoke about their amazing work during the evening, but it was Clare House's dream to refurbish their children's activity room into a multi-purpose space that supports play, creativity, learning, and emotional wellbeing that won the most votes.
Claire Moxham, domestic abuse services manager at Clare House, said: "The Soup Dragon's Den event was brilliant. We got the chance to meet community members and representatives from other organisations. The added bonus of the evening was to be announced as the winner. Being chosen by the community was really touching and we can't wait to get started with our project. We will be working with our team and residents to create a space where children feel safe to be themselves."
If anyone needs any domestic abuse support, visit Domestic Abuse Support | Key Unlocking Futures or call 01772 435865. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The other five community initiatives will receive £200 from Progress Housing Group's Community Investment Fund. These are: Leyland Furniture Bank; Mums and Tots at St Mary's Community Centre in Leyland; The Base on Broadfield, Leyland, which is run by Key Unlocking Futures; UDevelop CIC, based in Chorley and other areas in the North West; and volunteers in Wade Hall, Leyland.
Diane Nash, customer voice manager at Progress Housing Group, said: "As Key Unlocking Futures is our charity partner, it was great to see the rest of the community show their support and choose Clare House as the winner. The refuge does amazing work to support women and children and help families feel safe, supported and at home. We can't wait to see the new children's activity room. We also want to thank our contractor Green Grant Installs (GGI), for sponsoring the event as part of its commitment to social value."
