A SOUTH Gloucestershire-based domestic abuse service is to close its doors at the end of the month.

A spokeswoman for the charity said: "It is with huge sadness that Survive announces its closure on April 30 after 44 years of dedicated service in the domestic abuse field.

"We are however pleased to announce that our frontline staff and vital services for children and young people will be transferring to Julian House on May 1."

Survive provides specialist services for women, children and families who have been or are suffering the effects of domestic violence and abuse.

In its 44 year history, the charity has helped thousands of women, children and their families.

Survive lost the funding for its adult services and refuge provision in March 2017, following a South Gloucestershire Council commissioning process.

Since then it has continued to provide children and young people’s services from its centre in Kingswood.

Julian House, where Survive's staff will be headed on May 1, is a Bath-based organisation with satellite services in South Gloucestershire and Bristol, where they are known as ‘See Change’.

It offers refuge accommodation and resettlement support; a programme which supports women to understand abusive relationships; a programme which supports children and young people to understand healthy and unhealthy relationships; and domestic abuse awareness training.

Chair of trustees, Dr Kate Mansfield said: "The trustees are deeply saddened by the necessity of having to close Survive due to financial pressure. "However we are delighted that Julian House will continue our legacy and will ensure the continuity of our services for children and young people. "Julian House is an outstanding organisation that has the needs of vulnerable people at its core.

"Over the past 44 years a large number of women have given their hearts and souls to the work of Survive and we know that even though the organisation will be no more, the women who made Survive what it has been, will continue their fight to help victims of Domestic Abuse wherever they can.”

Survive's chief executive Sarah Telford said: “I wholeheartedly support our staff and services transferring to Julian House. I have every confidence they will be able to continue to deliver our specialist services, and meet the needs of children and young people affected by domestic abuse.” – Sarah Telford, Chief Executive, Survive.

Peter Denning, Julian House's chief executive said: “It is a privilege for Julian House to continue the work of Survive, an organisation we have huge respect for and a cause we strongly support.

"We are committed to the ongoing delivery of their specialist children and young people’s service in South Gloucestershire and the transfer of their skilled and experienced staff will be a huge asset to Julian House.”

For further information email info@survivedv.org.uk or cecil.weir@julianhouse.org.uk