A WOMEN'S centre, which has been a safe haven for a decade, looks set to close, because its team of volunteers are "exhausted".
Since 2004, women in north Hull have been able to study, improve their CV and receive counselling at Willow, a registered charity.
Last October, it moved from its premises on the same site as Hall Road Academy in Orchard Park to Unity in Community in Endike Lane, North Hull Estate, to cut costs.
However, the centre's committee says it has taken the difficult decision to fold, with a meeting to finalise details scheduled to take place next month.
Chairwoman Lucy Michael said: "We are devastated to have to close Willow, but our volunteers are absolutely exhausted."
Ms Michael took a parting shot at The Big Society, the policy concept contained in Prime Minister David Cameron's 2010 election manifesto, which calls on volunteers to run projects.
She said: "Big Society is all well and good, but volunteers have a limited amount of time and energy to commit.
"For a project to work, there needs to be paid staff managing a team of volunteers.
"We are closing because of the challenges associated with managing of voluntary team."
Owing to cuts in funding streams, six paid staff members were made redundant in June 2011.
Ms Michael said: "Our volunteers have been affected by the same problems that have hit the women they help – family breakdowns, money problems and illness.
"At one point we had about 50 volunteers. Today, I would say we have a core committee of ten. It has been a strain.
"It's so sad, because we have made enquiries and it seems no one wants to take Willow on."
Ms Michael expects the impact of closure to be profound.
She said: "Willow has been a hub for women who feel isolated in the north Hull community.
"Women can feel isolated for a variety of reasons. Some may be victims of domestic violence. Others may suddenly find themselves without any family.
"Others use the centre to gain qualifications or improve their skills."
Ironically, Willow has had recent success in applying for grants.
"That's the frustrating part," said Ms Michael. "Money is starting to come in, but our volunteers do not have the energy any more to run the activities."
Ms Michael, who has been involved with Willow for the past three years, will soon return to her native Ireland for professional reasons.
She said: "I wish I could take Hull with me. I have lived here for five years and I love the place."
The meeting takes place on July 4 at 2pm at Unity In Community. Anyone interested in taking on Willow and its activities is invited to attend.
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