Our History

The History of the Liberty Centre

1980’s

Early in 1987, the founder, Eleanor Maddocks MBE who was a victim-survivor of domestic abuse and understood the impact on women and their children was dismayed to discover that there was no refuge in the West Lancashire area. Recognising the urgent need, together with a small group of other women who shared her vision began fundraising with a view to opening a new refuge to provide a safe place for women and their children affected by domestic abuse.

In the summer of the same year, representatives from both statutory and voluntary agencies were invited to attend an inaugural meeting, to discuss the proposal, for a Women’s Refuge in Skelmersdale. A Management Committee was formed to take the project forward.

1988 – West Lancashire District Council allocated a four bedroomed house, and with a huge amount of help and support from all agencies, along with a dedicated team of volunteers, West Lancashire Women’s Refuge was officially opened.

The refuge became a registered charity, with a committee made up of representatives from the Local Authority, Housing Dept, Legal Profession, Probation Service, Health Service, Social Services and other interested and committed people.

1989 – The organisation was given grants from both the District & County Councils which enabled the committee to employ a part time co-ordinator.

1990’s

1991 – This year saw the refuge extended by another property, bringing the total number of families that could be accommodated to six.

Funding was secured from Lancashire County Council and West Lancashire District Council for another part time refuge worker.

1992 – Further funding was found to recruit staff, enabling sleep-in cover at the refuge, working towards a 24 hour service.

The Domestic Abuse Helpline was also launched in this year, providing telephone help and support to women affected by domestic abuse.

1993 – Funding was secured for a part time children’s play worker.

1995 – The refuge was extended once more by adding a third house and this meant that the refuge was able to offer accommodation to a total of eight families. A major refurbishment of the three houses also took place in this year, with a total of £35,000 raised to enable this to go ahead.

The Outreach and Resettlement service began providing support to women living within West Lancashire who required support but didn’t need accommodation. Support was also provided to women who left the refuge and were rehoused within the local community.

1996 – The information and Drop in Centre was opened in Ormskirk this year and was staffed by volunteers. Extending the services offered by the refuge to women, particularly in the rural areas.

1999 – New premises were obtained for the Information Centre, brighter and more modern, and in the spring of 2000 the new information and Drop in Centre was officially opened, offering confidential counselling by trained counsellors, practical and emotional support by a member of staff, and a weekly coffee morning group.

2000’s

2000 – A dedicated team of fourteen provided a 24 hour service, carrying out the day to day running of the refuge

2003 – We changed our name to The Liberty Centre to reflect our broader mission beyond refuge services, emphasising empowerment, independence, and holistic support for victim-survivors.

2004 – The opening of the newly refurbished refuge accommodating 9 families and their children.

2010’s

2017 – Our founder and Chief Executive Officer retired after 30 years.

2019 – Our founder was awarded an MBE in recognition for services to victims and survivors of domestic abuse in West Lancashire.

2020’s

2022 – Eleanor House, our move on property opened providing accommodation for 2 women and their children.

2024 – The Liberty Centre became the DASSL (Domestic Abuse Support Services Lancashire) partner for West Lancashire. The partnership delivers countywide domestic abuse support through safe accommodation and outreach services, coordinated by specialist local organisations funded by Lancashire County Council

2025 – Our Information Centre moved to Malthouse Business Centre in Ormskirk to provide more space for our expanding Community Outreach Service.