The Physical Abuse Centre is to create a support group for the mothers of murdered children.

The move was announced at the organisation's 30th Anniversary Gala Celebration at the Hamilton Princess on Friday.

Rosana Vickers, programme manager at the centre, said: "We intend to press on with a support group for women who have lost children to violence."

She said this would include "counselling for families of lost and murdered children".

"In two weeks' time we will start talks and organisation," said Ms Vickers.

"This is the beginning of an organised support system for families. There needs to be a place where they can go for support counselling."

She added: "But it is also for the community, to create awareness of the pain and sadness which is left behind from these selfless and selfish acts."

Ms Vickers said the Physical Abuse Centre had been approached for help by mothers of murdered youngsters.

"There is an interest in a support group," she said.

Juliann Moore, the mother of 14-year-old murder victim Rhiana Moore, told The Royal Gazette: "This is a good thing, definitely, for someone in need of help."

Shahidah Abdur-Rahim, the mother of Aquil Richardson, the 30-year-old shot dead on Boxing Day, 2007, said: "There are people who are suffering and who need somewhere to go, somewhere where we can speak about our feelings."

Ms Abdur-Rahim said she tried to set up a similar group and had asked interested people to e-mail her, but that "no one contacted me".

"When you lose someone it is final, there is no coming back, and so it is learning how to cope," she said.

"A support group will be a good thing."

The Physical Abuse Centre is also appealing for financial and practical assistance for a new women's refuge in the East End.

Ms Vickers said: "Our shelter is in need of repairs but we can't afford to close our doors. We can't rely totally on the Government and need help from the private sector and from individuals.

"We are at a point now where we really do need to move forward on building a more purpose-built shelter for the protection of women and families. And we will also need some temporary housing once construction starts."

If you can help, please contact the Centre at 297 8278.