Save The Lotus: The £20,000 Appeal Family Justice Cannot Ignore

£20,000 to keep a lifeline open

Resolute Women’s Support Services in Barnsley is urgently seeking £20,000 to help keep The Lotus, its specialist support centre, open. The reported fundraising deadline is 16 November 2026.

Founder and CEO Deborah Jones wrote on LinkedIn: “It breaks my heart that Resolute Women’s Support Services are in this position at a time when our services are needed the most.” Credit: Deborah Jones’s original LinkedIn post.

Why family justice should care

Survivors of domestic abuse can face difficult decisions about safety, housing, finances and arrangements for children, sometimes alongside complex family court proceedings. A court process cannot substitute for independent advocacy, counselling and sustained community support. These services have distinct roles but can be complementary.

Resolute provides one-to-one support, advocacy, counselling, peer support and therapeutic services. ITV News reported on 21 October 2026 that the charity’s funding had dwindled as demand increased. The potential loss of specialist capacity should concern legal practitioners, policymakers, businesses and everyone committed to meaningful access to justice.

At JSH Law we support litigants in person navigating family proceedings. We know that documents and hearings are only part of the challenge. The availability of specialist domestic abuse services matters profoundly.

Take action before 16 November

Donate: Save The Lotus Crowdfunder. Share: pass this appeal to local businesses, funders, employers and professional networks. Offer support: contact Resolute Women’s Support Services about sponsorship or partnership.

Resolute is also collecting toiletries and self-care essentials through its Comfort & Care appeal during November; contact teamresolute@resolutesupport.uk.

Recognition is welcome. Sustainable funding keeps doors open.

Sources and credits

Deborah Jones, LinkedIn statement; ITV News, 21 October 2026; Barnsley Magazine, 26 October 2026. JSH Law Ltd provides non-reserved family court support and is not acting for Resolute.