A charity helping survivors of childhood sexual abuse is today celebrating moving into their new home.

Survivors in Transition (SiT) had been left homeless at the end of last year but following a plea for help in The Star, Pam Littlejohn from the Waterfront Community Centre got in contact.

Fiona Ellis, co-founder of SiT said the Probation Service’s community payback team helped redecorate the premises in Grimwade Street, opposite Suffolk New College.

She said: “What is so nice is that SiT finally has a place of its own.

“It means going forwards the charity will be able to develop its own identity.

“Our users are chuffed to bits, they have all been involved in the redecorating, it is great, it gives them ownership of the place.

“We are still really busy but it is giving us the opportunity to consolidate again.

“We have lots of new targeted sessions in the pipeline. The men’s session is back and we will also be running a session for women over the age of 40 as well as one for young survivors at 4YP in Lower Brook Street.

“We also want to develop a support group for the supporters of survivors, partners, spouses, friends.

“And we are aiming to increase professional engagement by holding awareness events for people to find out more.”

Ms Ellis said the charity has a new fundraising volunteer starting this week with a view to securing some serious funding bids.

“We are delighted to be working alongside the Waterfront Community Centre.”

Ms Littlejohn, of the Waterfront Community project, who opened the centre eight years ago, said she saw SiT plea for help in The Star.

“I saw SiT were looking for space and invited them to come down. I am really pleased that part of the building is now being used.”

SiT is holding a fundraising cream tea event for Oxfam on Friday from 1pm to 3pm at the Waterfront Community Centre. Everyone is welcome.