BRADFORD-based domestic and sexual abuse charity, Staying Put, has welcomed two new board members.

Helen Hirst and Dr Ranjit Arora FRSA were officially welcomed to the charity at its AGM last month.

They will play a vital role in ensuring a clear strategy for the organisation, build on the charity’s foundation of an inclusive culture, and ensure that Staying Put remains creative, which the charity hopes will result in wider success.

The charity has seen an unprecedented number of calls over the last year, due to a sharp rise in domestic abuse during the pandemic, leading the charity to adapt rapidly to meet demand.

Helen Hirst joins the charity with almost 30 years’ experience within the NHS. She is Chief Officer of Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group and also has leadership roles in the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership.

She said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as a trustee on the board of Staying Put, a fabulous Bradford-based organisation with a clear purpose and vision to ensure people can live free from domestic violence and abuse, regardless of gender or sexual orientation."

Dr Ranjit Arora has a background in education and academia, having been a head of department in a college of further, higher and adult education. She has also written educational and research publications.

She said: “I am delighted and honoured to be appointed as a trustee to serve on the board of Staying Put, a Yorkshire-based charity with a vision and commitment to not only protect and provide for victims of all domestic abuse but also to take measures to prevent such abuse.”

Staying Put’s helpline is open from 9.30am-1pm, 1.30pm-4.30pm, Monday to Friday. If people need help, they should call 0808 2800 999.