2022 - SARSAS

SARSAS believe that a world without sexual violence is possible and they campaign and raises awareness for people affected by sexual violence to change the narrative about sexual violence and to enable survivors’ voices to be heard because everyone deserves to live free from abuse and its impact.

The charity is a specialist support service and exists to relieve the trauma and distress and help rebuild the lives of survivors who live in Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath & North East Somerset, who have experienced any form of sexual violence, at any point in their lives. They provide counselling through a range of trauma-informed approaches, specialist support work and therapeutic group work and also run specialist services for women with complex needs and/or learning disabilities.

With nearly 50 members of staff and 30 volunteers, SARSAS run new, innovative support services, and national projects, alongside their original helpline that has provided a lifeline for victimsurvivors since 2008.

ACTION

In 2022, SARSAS were awarded the main grant of £15,000 from Bath Women’s Fund that they used to deliver their ‘Pass it On’ project. The grant funded three creative groups for survivors of sexual violence in Bath. Each group had up to 10 participants who attended 8 sessions. The power of group work is that it creates a safe space where survivors can heal and feel heard alongside other people with lived experience. Crucially, these groups were co-facilitated by a survivor who worked alongside a SARSAS specialist support worker. This working partnership enabled the survivor co-facilitator to co-create the design, delivery and evaluation of the project and in doing so develop new and transferable skills and increased confidence.

“Working with the Bath Women’s Fund was such a positive experience. The application process was really straightforward. We were even given a named person to support us through the process. We particularly enjoyed the awards evening. It was a welcoming and warm environment and great chance to meet other fantastic organisations. We were of course thrilled to have been awarded the grant and the funds enable us to make a real and tangible difference to local women who have experienced sexual violence. Thank you.” CEO for SARSAS, Lorri Weaving

IMPACT

Many of their clients describe SARSAS as “a lifeline” helping them to regain their personal power, dignity and confi dence. Here’s what they had to say:

“Being a co-facilitator for the Pass It On Peer Support Groups was an extraordinary experience. Seeing fellow survivors fi nding community, understanding and validation was an incredible privilege and gave me hope in, what often feels like, a hopeless, never ending cycle of violence against women and girls.” Sarah – Survivor Co-facilitator

Comments from Group participants:

“The group opened up things I’ve never talked about, but it was brilliant. Such a positive experience. Everyone was there for each other.”

“We understand each other’s fears and pain.”

“Biggest thing I’ve taken away – I’m not alone, and I’ll never be alone again. Really powerful experience.”

“I couldn’t have asked for better friends, facilitators, I feel like I’ve found my place and I am so grateful.”

“On the first day I was petrified to walk through the door, but we all had something in common and were able to talk about it with people who understood.”

To find out more about SARSAS visit: https://www.sarsas.org.uk/