Birmingham Crisis Centre © All Rights Reserved.

INTRODUCTION

 

The largest purpose-built Domestic Violence Safe Haven in the Midlands continues to provide well established professional caring facilities for women and children of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

 

The past year has seen an inspection from Investors In People, a validation visit from Supporting People, and spot-check visits from The Fundraising Standards Board. The centre is very pleased to announce 'very good'-'excellent' reports from all concerned.

 

The centre is recognised by inter-agencies as a leader in the care and support of victims.

 

The Birmingham Crisis Centre still awaits the award of a renewed contract with Supporting People, (Government Funding). The existing contract was due for renewal in March 2008, and had been extended to September 2009, whilst re-negotiating bids are considered by the Local Authority Cabinet.

 

From May 2008 to May 2009, the Birmingham Crisis Centre received 402 referrals for care and support. With these referrals were 127 children under 5 years, and 86 over 5 years. These victims were homeless and have been successfully supported to move onto new homes, safe houses, start new lives, and in some cases return to their own homes where the risks and dangers have been removed.

 

A 24 hour 'helpline' is continuing to give support out of hours, all year round.

The average occupancy level is over 80% for 23 self-contained units of which 22 receive help with funding from 'Supporting People.'

 

FINANCE

 

The volunteer members of the Board of Trustees continue to provide a Management Committee dedicated to the transparency of a Charity whose funding is the lowest of comparable organisations partly funded by the Local Authority. Special thanks should also be given to our Treasurer Mrs Kathryn Godfree, and Grant Thornton, for their services to all our accounting matters.

 

As was the situation during the last few years, there are significant Housing Benefit arrears owed to the centre. This is monitored on a daily basis with the Local Authority striving to 'catch up' with the back-log administration of this allowance.

 

Donations, corporate and private, have increased in the past year and the Birmingham Crisis Centre would like to express its appreciation and thanks to the 'friends of the centre'. A list of friends of the centre are shown on the newly constructed website:-

 

http://www.birminghamcrisis.org.uk"

www.birminghamcrisis.org.uk

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

The Board of Trustees and Directors have continued to commit to the success of the charity. The Chairman for the Charity is Mrs Valerie Lillemoen who has served on the Board for several years. Valerie has introduced a new zestful outlook to the centre with many improvements. One very welcome appointment Valerie introduced was to propose Founder Trustee John Ankcorn as the President of the Charity. This was unanimously agreed and implemented.

 

Congratulations to John Ankcorn.

 

The Board is made up a wide range of professionals with diverse age and experience in law, medicine, banking, and life skills. The two City Council appointee representatives are Councillors Reg Corns and appointee Ziaul Islam MBE.

 

FUTURE AIMS

 

The future aims of the Charity are to firmly establish the centre as the foremost facility and safe haven in the voluntary third sector providing quality care and support for women and children victims of Domestic Violence.

 

'Safeguarding' and 'moving on' are paramount in the care and support provided 24 hours a day. An extensive training programme has been introduced to improve staff awareness in all aspects of Mental Health, Drug and Substance Abuse, with ongoing training in all DV issues.

 

The Birmingham Crisis Centre has introduced a 'counselling service' available for victims in residence and a there are plans to introduce new projects to improve the child care on site with two dedicated Child Care Workers. The 15 full time Family Support Workers continue to offer a high standard of care and support highlighted by the many letters of gratitude and thanks from ex-residents who have successfully moved on.

 

The Birmingham Crisis Centre is continually becoming more involved with outside agencies such as Social Services, Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences, (MARAC), Child Protection Services, and implementing QAF (quality assessment framework) standards.

 

Charity's Mission Statement:

 

An attitude of zero tolerance to crimes of violence to women and children within society. Empowerment to women to make informed choices.

Support and provide opportunity to women and children to.....

 

BE HEALTHY, ENJOY AND ACHIEVE,

MAKE A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION,

ACHIEVE ECONOMIC WELL BEING,

'STAY SAFE !' BE CONFIDENT IN THE COMMUNITY !

HAND YOURSELF A FUTURE !

 

Alan Fleming

Chief Executive Officer.