A COMMUNITY project that has helped more than 100 women since it opened less than two years ago will be homeless in only four weeks if a new venue cannot be found.

The Kyra women’s project was launched at the end of 2013 in space that it sub-let from another charity in Marygate Lane, and it had expected to help about 30 people in its first year.

But 14 months later, there are about 110 women on the books and volunteers said they were thrilled to see how many people they had helped – until the news came that they were about the lose their home.

Trustee and co-founder Yvonne Copley said that when the other organisation got funding for new projects, staff realised they needed Kyra’s space back, and gave the women’s project four weeks’ notice.

Yvonne added: “It was a terrible shock. We were all devastated but we have rallied and we are trying to be as positive as possible.”

The project had been so successful that trustees were already looking for a bigger home, but now face a four-week deadline to find somewhere – and increasing financial pressures.

“Some of our courses are halfway through, and we will have to hire rooms to run them.

“We have enough money to fund them, but after that we are back to square one.”

Yvonne and her fellow trustees have issued a plea to businesses and charities that might be able to help them find temporary accommodation.

They need a complex of small and medium-sized rooms suitable for training programmes, private counselling, afternoon drop-in sessions and an office for administration.

“A house, or something like that, would be ideal and we’ve been looking online but had no luck yet.”

Kyra runs support groups and courses tackling issues like domestic abuse, low self-esteem and post natal depression as well as other activities like singing and gardening groups to help vulnerable women.

Yvonne added: “It’s just about keeping the women together. We have to be positive.”

Anyone who can help is urged to email Cath Harvey or Yvonne Copley at contact@kyra.org.uk or call 01904 632332. Donations can be made through kyra.org.uk/donate