A DOMESTIC violence charity coping with a surge in demand is aiming to secure a long term lease on its building which could unlock funding for a major expansion plan.

My Sister’s Place in Middlesbrough has been based at 123 Borough Road since 2002 offering services to women suffering abuse age 16 and over.

It pays a peppercorn rent to Middlesbrough Council for delivering vital services across the town and has now applied for a 25-year transfer deal which could also lead to taking over the building next door.

Becky Rogerson, My Sister’s Place chief officer, said: “Over the years we have expanded our services to meet what has been a continuous rising demand - in the year 2013/14 we received 1650 referrals and have supported 949 women within this very small building, a 54 per cent increase on the previous year.

“We are now bursting at the seams and desperately need more office space, interview rooms and a place to deliver our support groups.”

The Northern Rock Foundation has already pledged financial support and, if the application is successful at the Executive Sub Committee for Property meeting on April 10, a fundraising campaign will be launched to kick-start the refurbishment including a summer ball called ‘Another Brick in the Wall Ball’ in September.

Domestic violence is a big problem and effects family friends and communities,” she added.

“I hope the council will support us by ensuring we can continue to meet the needs of women and children in Middlesbrough who are at risk from their current or former partner.”

In a report prepared for the council meeting it is acknowledged that My Sister’s Place is responsible for attracting more than £340,000 in external grant funding.

Officers have recommended that councillors transfer the building to the charity as it represented good value for money as well as offering social and educational services to the local area.

The report concluded: “The 25-year lease will allow the charity to continue to provide and improve the extremely valuable service to Middlesbrough and the surrounding area and will also enable them to bid for certain capital funding that is only available with such security in place that would safeguard their position.”