A Derby law firm has played a key role in helping a charity which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged and vulnerable women move to larger premises.
Women’s Work has been based in Charnwood Street ever since it was founded back in 2003.
In that time, the charity has grown considerably, working with around 200 women a year to almost 1,000.
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To allow it to support more women, it decided to look around for larger premises and secured the lease of the former Sisters of Mercy Convent in the city.
The deal for the property was supported by law firm Nelsons, which is based in Lodge Lane.
Martin Jinks, partner and expert commercial property solicitor at Nelsons, said: “Women’s Work provides fantastic support for women in difficultly, and the new premises ensures the charity will be able to continue – and further expand – the work it does regionally.
“It is fantastic and extremely rewarding to be able to offer our expertise and support to good causes, such as Women’s Work, that are able to provide many benefits to our surrounding communities.”
The Sisters of Mercy Convent was set up in Derby in 1849 in Nottingham Road and moved to the city centre in 1862. The convent closed in 2019 – and agreed to lease the city centre building to Women’s Work.
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Martin and his wife, along with their brothers, sisters and children, were all taught, at some time, by the nuns from the convent.
He said: “It is great to see the convent building being put to such a good purpose and I pass my best wishes to the current sisters in their new home.”
Women’s Work delivers a range of services, events, support, advocacy and practical workshops targeted at women who have complex and multi-faceted needs, including those affected by drug and alcohol misuse, women offenders, women exploited through sex work and those fleeing domestic abuse.
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Dionne Reid, founder and chief executive of Women’s Work, said: “We have experienced exponential growth over the past decade and this has been the driver for the move to bigger premises to ensure we can continue to support women in a calm and welcoming environment.
“Our new building is a Grade II-listed property that’s located in Derby city centre. It has beautiful gardens and, at approximately 7,000 sq ft, will provide Women’s Work with lots of scope to grow and develop our services.
“Nelsons provided excellent advice and support to us throughout the deal – making the process really simple and easy to understand. We’re looking forward to working with them again in the future.”