A women's charity that strives to remove the barriers preventing black and minority ethnic women from succeeding in life has opened the door of its new Ipswich home.  

PHOEBE, which stands for Promotion of Health, Opportunity, Equality, Benevolence and Empowerment, has spent past 14 years working with BME women escaping violent relationships, and those from underprivileged backgrounds. 

It opened the doors of its new premises in Great Colman Street on Friday. 

“This is a historical moment for us,” said PHOEBE’s founder and chief officer, Mollin Delve. 

“We are the only black charity in Suffolk ever to have secured our own building. This is significant.” 

Ipswich Star: Founder Mollin Delve (left) said this was a historical moment for PHOEBE. Pictured with ESOL teacher Emma Apenteng. Credit: Dolly CarterFounder Mollin Delve (left) said this was a historical moment for PHOEBE. Pictured with ESOL teacher Emma Apenteng. Credit: Dolly Carter (Image: Dolly Carter)

Ipswich Star: The centre's new, larger premises will allow it to address the increasing need in the town. Credit: Dolly CarterThe centre's new, larger premises will allow it to address the increasing need in the town. Credit: Dolly Carter (Image: Dolly Carter)

Ms Delve explained that PHOEBE was started after she and her fellow Zimbabwean social workers arrived in Suffolk in 2002. 

They first established a youth group in Ipswich, and then a women’s resources centre, which became PHOEBE in 2008. 

Currently, PHOEBE supports 550 women in Ipswich, and need is still growing. 

“We are not only finding that there is an increase, but there are multiple needs with complex barriers,” explained Ms Delve. 

“A woman might be experiencing domestic abuse, but she also may have insecure immigration status. She may not speak English, she might be a carer for a relative, or especially children. 

"We are finding women caring for sick children, leaving them are unable to find out. 

"So, usually they will not leave abusive relationships because of these multiple problems."

Ipswich Star: Joana Alves is one of the managers at PHOEBE. Credit: Dolly CarterJoana Alves is one of the managers at PHOEBE. Credit: Dolly Carter (Image: Dolly Carter)

PHOEBE offers a range of services tackling these barriers, such as counselling and English classes. 

The new premises include a kitchen, meaning that cookery classes can be run, and food can be stored in fridges and freezers. These can be accessed by women facing food insecurity. 

The larger, more spacious premises will also mean that PHOEBE can offer childcare, looking after their clients' children while they access services. 

To visit PHOEBE, head to 6 Great Colman Street, Ipswich. 

For more information, visit www.phoebecentre.org.uk