Centre 56 became a centre that offers childcare, information, support and training to build self-esteem and confidence to families who have been affected by domestic abuse or a crisis situation.
Timeline
Our journey
1973
Dr Basil Levy and Dr Cyril Taylor and were becoming increasingly concerned about the injuries sustained by women at the hands of their partners. Worse still was the effect it was having on the children, who were witnessing the violent arguments and attacks.
1973
The doctors and their wives decided to take action and opened The Refuge on Belvedere Road in south Liverpool. The Refuge was the second domestic abuse accommodation in the country.
1970s
The Refuge was intended for just a few families, but by word of mouth more and more families came to The Refuge for help, and no one was ever turned away.
1980s
Over the years, Centre 56 provided a safe place for families. It also put on fun days and excursions.
1984
As they needed bigger accommodation to meet the increasing demands, the Trustees persuaded a local housing association, Princes Park, to fund the first ever purpose-built refuge in the country.
1984
Taking its name from the door number of the house, Centre 56 opened its doors in July 1984.
2004
After providing a play area for the children in the refuge, the creche became Ofsted-registered (at the time known as QA).
2008
The play facility was under threat but thanks to lottery funding and grants it was saved from closing.
2011
In total The Refuge and Centre 56 ran for 39 years. Sadly, it was unsuccessful in getting funding and at the same time it was found that the building was no longer suitable for families due to its shared facilities.
2011
Centre 56 closed its doors in December 2011.
2011
Liverpool Council offered Centre 56 a disused childcare centre in North Liverpool. Centre 56 called upon local businesses and the community to help bring the building up to standard.
2011
Centre 56 became a centre that offers childcare, information, support and training to build self-esteem and confidence to families who have been affected by domestic abuse or a crisis situation.
2012
We opened our doors for the first time on 1 February.
2014
Centre 56 was fortunate to get another grant from the National Lottery funding to keep the Centre running.
2015
Centre 56 was a charity picked by Steven Gerrard to receive £50,000 from his testimonial.
2018
After facing financial difficulties, Centre 56 joined The Regenda Group. Being a part of the Group means Centre 56 receives resource support, but the charity still relies on funding to keep its doors open to those who need it.
2018
Centre 56 was awarded £250,000 from The Big Lottery’s Community Fund.
2018
Professional Beauty Katie Walker became a Patron for Centre 56.
Today
Centre 56 continues to support children and families of people who have been affected by domestic abuse or a crisis situation.
