Derbyshire’s specialist child exploitation charity, Safe and Sound, is set to mark a pivotal moment in its history with the official opening of its new city centre premises, Melbourne House, Bold Lane, Derby, next Tuesday.
The move is a direct response to the surging demand for the charity’s services, which has more than doubled since the pandemic began. The new location is a secure and welcoming hub designed to significantly increase the capacity for one-to-one support and therapeutic activities for vulnerable young people and their families.
The official opening ceremony will take place next Tuesday, 18 November, from 12 noon to 1.30 pm. The ribbon will be formally cut by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire.
CEO Tracy Harrison will address attendees on the charity’s mission and the transformative impact the expanded space will have, while Chair of Trustees Mark Richardson will speak about the significance of the project and the community effort required to bring it to life.
The new building, Melbourne House, will serve as a City Centre Hub – a visible and accessible community asset dedicated to serving those at risk of or affected by exploitation. The charity stressed that this expansion is critical to ensuring no child is left without support.
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.
The new premises will allow Safe and Sound to run multiple therapeutic sessions simultaneously and increase its outreach, directly supporting children and young people affected by issues including online grooming, sexual exploitation, and county lines.
“The demand for our services has doubled since the pandemic. Melbourne House is more than just bricks and mortar – it’s a direct answer to the need to be there for children and young people. This new space dramatically increases our capacity, allowing us to offer more vital one-to-one support, ensuring vulnerable young people and their families have a safe, professional place to turn right in the heart of the city.”
“This project, which provides not only a dedicated safe haven for the most vulnerable young people in Derby but also an efficient workspace for the team who support them, represents the powerful impact of community collaboration. It would not have been possible without the support of key funders, including the government’s Community Ownership Fund, and the fantastic work by our partners, notably Armsons Barlow and Davlyn Construction. This purpose-built hub is a testament to the resilience of our staff and the unwavering commitment of our community to child safety.”