AN UNDER-threat York charity has had its future secured after it was offered a new home in the city centre.

The Kyra Women's Project had been facing homelessness since January when staff learnt the tenancy on the rooms they shared with another organisation was ending.

But now, after an appeal to the York community, the project has been offered a new home at the Central Methodist Church on St Saviourgate.

Trustee chairman Cath Harvey said: "As a small but fast growing charity it has been challenging finding suitable premises at short notice. A move to The Central Methodist Church is an excellent outcome, as it will enable us to create a space specifically for Kyra member needs.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the offers of help and support we received over the last few weeks. The people of York have been incredibly kind. The voluntary sector, council and the community in general have been really generous in offering ideas and rooms.

"In particular, we would like to thank the staff at The Central Methodist Church who have worked with us to find a new space which can meet Kyra’s needs."

Kyra's volunteers and trustees are now busy looking for office equipment, kitchen supplies and furniture to help fit out the space so it is ready for operation by the first week in May.

Project manager Yvonne Copley added: “Unfortunately the move isn’t just about finding a new building, we also need to find basic office equipment such as filing cabinets and furniture for our counselling and training rooms.

"We’re again relying on in-kind donations from the community to help furnish our workshop so that we can continue to provide all women in need the support they require.

“We’ve already had some people offer to help with the refurbishment, including offering to paint the rooms for free, which is incredibly generous."

Anyone who can help is urged to contact Cath Harvey or Yvonne Copley at contact@kyra.org.uk or phone 01904 632332.

Kyra was founded in November 2013 as a one-stop-centre for women providing training programmes, counselling and support services.