Charity set to close after 30 years helping Sheffield domestic abuse survivors
The charity will continue to provide support to existing clients during a managed closure period
Vida, an independent domestic abuse charity in the city, had been saved two years ago from shutting. But now it is finally set to go after failing to secure long term funding to keep its work going.
It means it is will now close at the end of August, after 32 years.
Founded to support women who have experienced domestic and sexual abuse, including coercive control, sexual violence and other traumatic experiences, Vida has provided specialist therapeutic and recovery services to thousands of women across the city over three decades.
Accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, Vida has run a range of trauma-informed treatments including counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy and peer support working alongside NHS and community organisations to support women's recovery, wellbeing and safety.
The charity will continue to provide support to existing clients during a managed closure period, with current efforts focused on safe endings, transition planning and contacting other organisations where appropriate.
While this is an incredibly difficult decision, we are deeply proud of what Vida has achieved over the past 30 years
Dr Marilyn Gregory, who chairs Vida Sheffield, said: “While this is an incredibly difficult decision, we are deeply proud of what Vida has achieved over the past 30 years.
“We want to thank our staff team, associates, volunteers, funders, clinical partners and the wider Sheffield community for the care, commitment and belief they have shown throughout the life of the organisation.
“Most importantly, we want to acknowledge the courage of the women who have accessed the service over many years. It has been a privilege to walk alongside them in their recovery journeys."
Vida will not be accepting new referrals as the organisation focuses on supporting existing clients and completing a safe and responsible wind-down process.
The organisation had previously announced in November 2024 that it would be closing in March 2025.
But the charity, which says it saves the NHS £50,000 a month, was able to find money to take it to the present time, but bosses feel it cannot survive without long term funding.
VIDA has previously described seeing 170 to 200 clients a year and supporting another 50 through an online forum.
They said a lot of abuse survivors – predominantly women – needed support, including long-term mental health recovery, help around post traumatic stress disorder and more, and the organisation has previously expressed concerns that a lot of them would be without this sort of support, with extra pressure put on other services.
Chief executive Karen Hague said: “We save lives. Vida saves lives.”
Councillor Maleiki Haybe, who chairs the Adult Health and Social Care Policy Committee at Sheffield Council, said: “We would be sorry to see VIDA close its doors. VIDA is a long standing and well-respected local charity, and we thank everyone at VIDA for the excellent support they have provided to many women survivors of abuse over the years.
“The Council hasn’t funded VIDA for some time now. Our officers met with VIDA in 2024 and supported them with their communications with the Department of Health and Social Care and other potential funders.
“The Council’s resources to support women and provide counselling is invested in a range of organisations through our Domestic Abuse Strategy, including women’s refuges, the Domestic Abuse Helpline and Independent Domestic Violence Advocates.”