A refuge is celebrating ten years of helping women affected by violence by launching an appeal for a makeover.

The Emma Project, which opened its doors to women in 2008, is a specialist refuge in North London run by the violence against women charity, the Nia Project and funded by London Councils.

The project is named after Emma Humphreys, who at the age of 17 after suffering much abuse, killed her boyfriend – a much older man who had also been her pimp, and served 10 years for murder.

Now the aim is to be able to support women trying to escape dangerous situations but like any home the refuge needs a coat of paint and some new furniture.

CEO of the Nia Project Karen Ingala Smith said, “You know how good it feels when you go somewhere you don’t know but when you walk in you immediately feel at home and safe and you can relax and look about you and it feels welcoming, bright and cared for.

“We all love that feeling and for women fleeing violence and arriving at our refuge which is to become their home, it’s all the more important.

Can you help the project raise £6,000 before the end of June for a bright, clean summery feel?

Text: 70070 to EMMX10 or visit https://www.justgiving.com/niaproject or http://www.niaendingviolence.org.uk/support/donate.php