Abuse charity needs support

Rotherham Rise has been shortlisted along with three other projects for the final of paint company Johnstone’s Trade Community Spirit competition.

The one with the most public votes in February will win the prize.

Rotherham Rise, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, would use the prize to re-vamp its women’s centre in Main Street, Rotherham, which was once a former post office.

The charity’s quest to win the competition has drawn support from Rotherham United Football Club, with defender Frazer Richardson and midfielder Richard Smallwood both visiting the women’s centre to back the campaign.

Sue Wynne, Chief Executive of Rotherham Rise, said: “We are very proud of our charity and to be shortlisted is fantastic for us.

“We provide refuge, counselling sessions, advice and support for women who have suffered from domestic and sexual abuse or child sexual exploitation and are working hard to open up activities through the Women’s Centre for all women. We are also hoping to extend services for men through the men’s centre we are opening elsewhere in Rotherham.

“We are delighted with our new building - it has great character being the old sorting Post Office. But if we were to win the Community Spirit competition, it would allow us to create a warm and friendly environment for people wanting to use the Centre.”

To vote for Rotherham Rise visit www.johnstonestrade.com/communityspirit this month.