COMMUNITY groups throughout East Lancashire, which are the focus of our first Pride of East Lancashire Award, fulfil a wide range of criteria.

Most improve the quality of life for people in some way or another -- and a number go a step further and save lives through their work.

Nationally, it is estimated that one in four women will experience domestic violence and the number of reported cases in East Lancashire have risen by 25 per cent in the last year.

Without support there is no telling just how many women might die.

One of the reasons there are so many cases of domestic violence throughout the UK is that women feel they have nowhere to turn, but organisations such as the Women's Information and Self Help (WISH) Centre in Blackburn are working hard to rectify this. Later this year the centre will have a new purpose-built complex of five two-bedroomed flats with funding secured by Blackburn, Darwen and District Women's Aid.

The facility will improve on the current refuge because women will have their own home instead of communal facilities.

But one of the problems is that cases of domestic violence often go undetected in the first place.

Linda Thompson, director of WISH, said: "It has always been a case of 'behind closed doors' because of many reasons, mainly embarrassment and standing in the community. There are a million issues why people don't disclose domestic violence is happening to them, but the issue is extremely serious and if there weren't organisations such as ourselves more women would lose their lives through domestic violence. It is vitally important that services are provided."

In addition to the refuge facility the WISH centre provides a full support and counselling service.

Linda added: "Because of the training we do throughout the borough, lots of other agencies now have skills and will refer women to our organisation."

WISH is just one of many different community groups which provides support to people in need. To nominate one that you think is worthy of our accolade log on to www.thisislancashire.co.uk or complete a nomination coupon.