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THE ZERO CENTRE (MERSEYSIDE) LTD
It is with regret and sadness we announce the closure of the Zero Centre (Merseyside) Ltd, based on Laird Street in Birkenhead. As Trustees we have endeavoured to avoid this outcome but are now faced with placing the organisation into voluntary liquidation.
The Zero Centre has been registered as a charity since 2001 and was the only non residential organisation in Wirral dedicated solely to support people and children experiencing domestic abuse. The staff have worked tirelessly to provide vital support to those in need and their passion and dedication has been outstanding.
Sadly due to continuing reduction in funding opportunities and rising overheads, we could no longer continue to provide this vital service.
We are currently in the process of closing down the Centre and can no longer offer any services for any clients. Current clients are being contacted by the team, risk assessed and signposted to other support services where appropriate.
Trustees

My understanding is that WBC provided some funding, at some point. I will not, however copy and post comments from Service users, Staff and Volunteers stating the same. #Toryscum #Cuts

I didn't suggest that,(typical left wing reaction ) rather, that Council Tax should be increased to pay for the library service.

The Zero Centre :Domestic abuse is something that I deplore and find harrowing to the core. In this instance, I think the council cannot be held responsible. There is of course only so much funding a council can give to a charity and the following is the reason for the centre having to close.
They joined Crowdfunder.co.uk in an attempt to raise enough funds to find new premises. Needing £3000.00, they have only managed to raise £725.00

http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/a-new-home-for-zero-centre

Why do we need this money?

Sadly our current landlord wishes to sell our home of 15 years so we are forced to find new accommodation quickly to ensure lives continue to be saved. This will inevitably involve increased rent - up to £10,000 a year, and costs for legal work, removals and possibly refurbishment of the new building to suit our needs.


There is Wirral Women and Children's Aid that should be able to provide assistance when needed.

http://www.wirralwomensrefuge.co.uk/
24 hour HELPLINE
0151 643 9766

and

Teen Wirral..various contact numbers
http://www.teenwirral.com/advice-and-support/young-parents/domestic-violence


and

West Wirral Group Practice for a variety of support issues
http://www.westwirralgrouppractice.nhs.uk/healthadvicesupport/support.html

The above is also the type of information libraries can provide. Many abused, only have a tiny window of opportunity to find the help they need. Once the chance is missed it can be a long time before another opportunity arises. Then giving those terrified people in vulnerable situations an even greater task to find any help, after they have eventually managed to pick up the courage to seek some help, is really not acceptable by any standards. There's no doubt that many would not even have access to computers or a telephone book.

Very sad about the Zero centre - hope someone pulls a rabbit out of the hat for them, or they manage to join forces with some organisation with similar aims and help each other keep going. It seems that partnership approaches are sometimes the only way to stay afloat these days, when funding for individual organisations is becoming harder to find.
ps re libraries - new hours now to take effect from 2nd March, so more time to argue the toss, I fancy. Greasby had been offered 24 hours at one point, but that evaporated. Don't give up!

People could

Join Library
Use Library
Become a Friend of Branch Library

Just these actions would make a difference.

I was chatting to one of our Librarians from Seacombe Branch at the lobby of WBC, earlier this month.

First off, she is no longer a Librarian- but a volunteer there, these days It seems that Seacombe Library hours MAY not be cut-- only because it can be EVIDENCED how much the Library is used and the services available are utilised.

Damn right, Greenwood- Never Give Up!!!