Safeguarding charity moves to new city centre location

Safeguarding charity Safe and Sound has announced its successful relocation to a newly purchased and refurbished building in Derby city centre.

The charity, which is dedicated to supporting young people impacted by child exploitation, has moved from Darley Abbey to a building in Bold Lane.

It marks a pivotal moment for the charity, enabling a significant upscale in facilities and capacity to meet the surging demand for its services.

Chief executive Tracy Harrison said: “The doubling of referrals since the pandemic underscores a stark reality – child exploitation knows no boundaries of age, gender or family background.

“Previously our rented premises in Darley Abbey constrained our capacity, limiting both our team’s workspace and our ability to deliver an expanding programme of vital activities, support and therapies essential for helping young people and their families move forward.

“The Bold Lane premises represent a transformative step. This amazing community asset will dramatically increase our impact by providing a centrally located, safe and welcoming sanctuary for vulnerable children and their families.”

Featuring a new family kitchen, dedicated relaxation areas and diverse activity stations, the facility at Bold Lane provides a comprehensive and welcoming space for young people and families to access essential help and support.

Safe and Sound said it would like to thank Armsons Barlow, Davlyn Construction and all individuals and organisations who contributed to the project.

Tracy said: “I am particularly grateful for the support shown by fellow professionals who have recognised the value that Safe and Sound brings to our city and county, and who have provided us with their expertise to enable us to secure this purchase and transform it into this exceptional new facility.

“We also received significant funding from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund for which we are also grateful.”