A Rotherham charity which provides support and refuge for women and children affected by domestic and sexual abuse is hoping to paint a brighter future after reaching the final of a UK-wide competition.
Rotherham Rise is one of four charities or community groups to make it to the final of the Johnstone’s Trade Community Spirit competition. Based on Main Street, Rotherham Rise is now hoping to come out on top in a public vote to win a redecoration makeover of its Women’s Centre worth up to £10,000.
Well over 100 charities and community projects from across the UK submitted applications to the competition, run by the leading paint manufacturer Johnstone’s Trade. A judging panel selected the final shortlist of four based on criteria such as the impact the project has on the community and the urgency for redecoration.
Rotherham Rise is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and has recently moved into new premises which is being transformed into a Woman’s Centre to provide services for over 100 women at present.
Sue Wynne, Chief Executive of Rotherham Rise said: “We are very proud of our charity and to be shortlisted for the Johnstone’s Paint Community Spirit competition is fantastic for us.
“We provide refuge, counselling sessions, advice and support for women who have suffered from domestic and sexual abuse or child sexual exploitation and are working hard to open up activities through the Women’s Centre for all women. We are also hoping to extend services for men through the Men’s Centre we are opening elsewhere in Rotherham.
“We are delighted with our new building - it has great character being the old sorting Post Office. But if we were to win the Community Spirit competition, it would allow us to create a warm and friendly environment for people wanting to use the Centre.”
Rotherham Rise’s quest to win the Johnstone’s Trade Community Spirit project has drawn support from Rotherham United Football Club, with defender Frazer Richardson and midfielder Richard Smallwood both attending the centre to back their campaign.
Frazer said: “Rotherham Rise deal with very emotive, difficult and sensitive subjects but do a fantastic job and it would be brilliant if they could win this redecoration makeover. I would urge everyone living in and around Rotherham to vote for Rotherham Rise.”
Other shortlisted community projects come from Glasgow, Greenwich and Nottingham.
Richard Mazurkiewicz, marketing manager for Johnstone’s Trade, said: “We had a high number of fantastic entries and there were so many worthwhile projects that it made the shortlisting process extremely difficult.
“However, Rotherham Rise and the three other projects in the final all do fantastic work and would all be very worthwhile winners. To win a redecoration makeover will make a huge difference to the winner and we are proud to be making a real impact.”
To vote for Rotherham Rise, please visit www.johnstonestrade.com/communityspirit before February 29.