A final goodbye: Domestic abuse charity VIDA closes
“Together, we achieved incredible results to support women to move on with their lives”
Domestic abuse charity VIDA has closed after failing to secure long term funding to keep its work going.
The charity helped women and girls in Sheffield for more than 30 years but announced its closure at the end of August.
Now it has created a dedicated webpage for survivors to share what the charity has meant to them over the years.
The charity announced its closure at the end of August this year.
Before closing their doors, the charity came together with women survivors and therapists to reflect on everyone’s journeys.
Each person shared what VIDA has meant to them, and have now been able to capture these memories on a dedicated “legacy” webpage.
One message reads: “VIDA helped me to move from sadness, grief and unexpressed emotions to finding joy, happiness and noticing the ‘glimmers’ in life not the triggers! Thank you for helping me to find me!”
The newly designed website aims to serve as an informative hub of historical detail and information including resources for anyone that needs support.
VIDA opened in 1995 and operated for over 30 years.
In July 2024 over 27,000 people signed a petition to Sheffield Council to save the charity from closure.
Thanking its funders and team of staff, the charity’s final newsletter reads: “We want to look back with immense gratitude for the trusts, foundations, and partners who invested in our mission. Your financial support was a vote of confidence in the communities and individuals we served.
“Together, we achieved incredible results to support women to move on with their lives. Your generosity lives on through the lives that were transformed and the lasting ripples of change you helped create.
“The passionate staff, volunteers and Trustees poured their hearts, skills and unwavering energy into their work every day. We are endlessly proud of everything we achieved together - thank you to everyone that worked with and for Vida over those many years of vital services.”
After closing the accounts, the remaining funds from the charity will be shared with Mums in Need, Saffron and Snowdrop - all charities that support women and empower survivors of modern slavery in Sheffield.
The charities “legacy” website will now remain active until 2032 for people to read.
In a final message from VIDA, the charity stated: “This chapter of Vida Sheffield has ended and we wish for the impact of our work to continue to inspire recovery, safety and hope across the region!
“It has been our greatest privilege to serve this community.”