The Survivors Trust Funded for new Rape Support Centres in Reading, Berkshire & Central Lancashire

Reading & Berkshire Rape Support Centre

The new rape support centre will be developing its services over the next three years to offer specialist counselling, support and advocacy to women, men, young people and children who have been raped or sexually abused either recently or in the past.

Reading and Berkshire Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre will offer a helpline, specialist sexual violence counselling, emotional and practical support for anyone whose life has been affected by rape or sexual abuse at any time.  It is anticipated that the centre will be launched in January 2014.

Namita Prakash, Regional Development Manager for The Survivors Trust, says:

In Reading and Berkshire there are no specialist third sector providers of counselling, help and support services to victims/survivors of rape and sexual abuse.  Many victims have been unable to find help and support at their time of need and many have continued to suffer alone and in silence.   I am looking forward to working with partner agencies and developing new working relationships to establish a survivor focused, comprehensive and responsive service, based in Reading and working across Berkshire.

Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Neighbourhoods and Housing, Rachel Eden, said:

I think we are all delighted that meetings, campaigning and events we’ve been doing over the last 18 months, led by Sinaed, has resulted in this funding announcement. This will be a centre that works with the SARC in Slough as well as providing the longer term counselling and practical support that survivors will need. I’m particularly pleased that this service will be open to anyone, regardless of age or gender.

Sinaed Gibson, Community Activist, said:

It has been great to see the community come together to support the campaign, and equally that our voices have been heard and that everyone’s been willing to work together to get this much needed service which will benefit many in Berkshire.

Immediate plans for establishing the new centre involve securing appropriate premises in Reading, recruiting and training staff and volunteers.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the new centre for Reading & Berkshire, its services and development, please contact Namita Prakash on 07791 567155 or email [email protected] for more information.

Central Lancashire Rape Support Centre

Central Lancashire is an area particularly lacking in specialist sexual support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

The new rape support centre will be developing its services over the next three years to offer specialist counselling, support and advocacy to women, men, young people and children who have been raped or sexually abused either recently or in the past.

Central Lancashire Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre will offer a helpline, specialist sexual violence counselling, emotional and practical support for anyone whose life has been affected by rape or sexual abuse at any time. It is anticipated that the centre will be launched in January 2014.

Sue James, Regional Development Manager for The Survivors Trust, says:

Many people in the Central Lancashire area have reported to me that there is a dire lack of specialist rape and sexual abuse support services in the area. Many victims have been unable to find help and support at their time of need and many have continued to suffer alone and in silence. I am looking forward to working with partner agencies and developing new working relationships to establish a survivor focused, comprehensive and responsive service, based in Preston and working across Central Lancashire.

Immediate plans for establishing the new centre involve securing appropriate premises in Preston, recruiting and training staff and volunteers. Anyone interested in finding out more about the new centre, its services and development, please contact Sue James on 07791 592 531 or email [email protected] for more information.