Have you had experience of a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), or used sexual assault and abuse services? Then you could be part of a national support group to help influence how services are delivered for victims of rape and sexual abuse.

The National Survivor and Public Voice (SPV) group is managed by The Survivors Trust in partnership with the central sexual assault and abuse programme teams at NHS England and NHS Improvement. They are looking to expand and diversify their membership.

This a great opportunity for individuals with lived experience of sexual abuse and assault services to have a real impact on changing how services are delivered for victims and survivors of sexual assault and abuse.

Please see the role description for more information, closing date for applications is Sunday, 31 October.

It’s World Mental Health Day. This years theme is Mental Health in an Unequal World, highlighting the issues many face trying to access mental health services, and the lack of investment from overall health budgets into mental health, which is directly contributing to the mental health treatment gap.

Being raped, sexually abused or having an unwanted sexual experience can have huge impacts on an individual’s mental health. If you are over the age of 13, and based in Surrey, RASASC have several free services that may be able to help.

Our confidential helpline operates four evenings a week (Monday – Thursday) and our specially trained volunteers can provide you with information and emotional support to allow you to make informed decisions to help you on your journey to recovery.  

Our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) offer both emotional and practical support to survivors of rape and sexual abuse. Our team of ISVAs cover a range of client needs including young people, complex mental health needs, LGBTQ+, physical and mental disabilities, male survivors, older people, and survivors from hard to reach and marginalised communities.

Our counselling service is split into three areas: adult counselling, counselling for young people (aged 13-17) and counselling for families of survivors. Our volunteer counsellors can help you understand your feelings and how they are affecting you, in order to help you come to terms with what has happened to you or your family member.

For more information on all of our free services and how to access them, visit the Get Support page of our website.

To read more about World Mental Health Day, visit the website of The World Federation for Mental Health.

RASASC welcome news of an inquiry, launched by the Home Office to look into issues within policing following the conviction of Wayne Couzens.

The Home Secretary launched the inquiry following Couzens’ conviction, after the serving Metropolitan Police officer abused his powers to falsely arrest, rape and murder Sarah Everard.

The inquiry will be made up of two parts. The first part will examine Couzens’ previous behaviour and look at any missed opportunities, and the second part will address specific issues that may be undermining public confidence in policing such as vetting practices, professional standards, discipline and workplace behaviour.

RASASC hope that the results of the inquiry will lead to a zero-tolerance approach to misogyny and all forms of sexual violence within workforces across the UK.

You can read the Home Office press release on the inquiry in full on their website.

A huge ‘thank you’ to our three incredible supporters who took on the London Marathon at the weekend in support of RASASC.

Team RASASC, made up of George, who ran in the physical event, and Graeme and Eoin who took on the challenge virtually, have raised nearly £3k between them towards our vital work supporting survivors of rape and sexual abuse across Surrey.

Thanks to their incredible efforts, we can be there for even more survivors through our counselling, ISVA and helpline services. Thank you Team RASASC, we are incredibly grateful.

If you are interested in doing an event for RASASC, please email events@rasasc-guildford.org to get involved

Three incredible runners are taking on the phenomenal challenge of the London Marathon to help raise funds towards RASASC’s vital work.

Liverpool-based George is RASASC’s official runner in the physical 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon. He said:

“This is my first time doing a marathon which is very scary!  I hope to complete it in under five hours, I think a marathon is one of those big life events everyone should do (or attempt!) so I am really excited to tick it off the bucket list!”

We also have two inspirational runners in the virtual London Marathon, taking on the challenge of running the distance in their own time, on their own routes.

60-year-old Chemical Engineer Graeme, originally from Zimbabwe, has run a marathon before, but has never taken on the challenge virtually. He said:

“It is going to be hard completing it on my own without all the razzamatazz you get when you normally run a race. For me, rape and sexual abuse is something I can’t get my head around – it seems so alien. 

“Charities such as RASASC are vitally important in providing a safe environment and non-judgemental support to victims. I know that any money I manage to raise will make a difference.”

And Housing Manager Eoin, is taking on the challenge to help survivors deal with the long term effects of rape and sexual abuse. He said:

“I’ve never run a marathon before, I just want to complete the course in the best time I can. I’m supporting RASASC because they help people deal with the long-term effects abuse can have on people’s lives, such as their ability to trust, to form normal relationships and feelings of anxiety.”

We are so grateful to all three of our superstar runners in #TeamRASASC. Good luck on Sunday, we are very grateful and humbled by your support.

A RASASC survivor has written a poem to help process some of their thoughts and feelings following their rape.

Poetry, alongside other forms of creativity can help the mind process complex trauma, such as the trauma caused by rape or sexual abuse.

By writing and expressing feelings, the mind can begin to process what has happened.

*Trigger warning – poem could be distressing for some readers*

 Your name leaves a bitter dry taste of soot and ash in my mouth
 So much so I refuse to say it 
I use soap to mask the filth as the vowels roll off the tip of my tongue 
Wishing I could just remove the muscle pattern from my memory and capability 
So you wouldn’t have to exist anymore. 

Disgust is an understatement when I think about the plague you infected my city with. 
You crashed down upon my temple 
A powerful force disrupting the natural order 
You cursed my request when I asked you to be gentle 
Causing my mind to crumble into disorder 
You defiled my deities and let them fall 
And made a mockery of my belief 
And then I was tired after giving my all
I yielded and accepted defeat. 

One day flowers will bloom again 
In this diseased wasteland you have sought 
The pain and the suffering will come to an end 
And behold my powerful mighty fort 
For I will not allow this to be my fate 
For I still hold the thought 
That I cannot be run on passion and hate. 
For spite is simply something that is taught. 

To find out more about how creativity can help process trauma, visit Mind’s website.

A housing manager from Wokingham is hoping to complete the London Marathon virtually this weekend in support of RASASC.

46-year-old Eoin plans to run from Wokingham to Reading and back again to tot up the famous 26.2 mile distance to support survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

Eoin said:

“I’ve never run a marathon before, the distance is a little daunting especially when mapping out my route. Training has been ok, but it takes up so much time! I just want to complete the course in the best time I can. Competing virtually is the most challenging part, as there is none of the support that’s always great at races, plus you need to navigate on your own! 

“I’m supporting RASASC because they help people deal with the long-term effects abuse can have on people’s lives, such as their ability to trust, to form normal relationships and feelings of anxiety.

“Whilst I haven’t experienced abuse directly, I am aware of people that have, and learning more made me appreciate the work that RASASC does.” 

Eoin will be joining 50,000 other runners completing the famous marathon virtually, alongside the physical event, this Sunday, 3rd October.

Good luck Eoin! To sponsor Eoin’s amazing efforts, visit his fundraising page

Chemical Engineer Graeme is taking on the Virtual Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday, 3^rd October on behalf of RASASC.

Taking place on the same day as the physical event, the virtual marathon will see 50,000 runners from all over the world completing the marathon distance, including 60-year-old Graeme.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Graeme, who now lives in Pirbright, has run a marathon before but has never taken on the challenge of a virtual marathon. He says:

“It is going to be hard completing it on my own without all the razzamatazz you get when you normally run a race and I don’t have any expectations with respect to a particular time.” 

On running on behalf of RASASC, he says:

“For me, rape and sexual abuse is something I can’t get my head around – it seems so alien.  I know that the majority of cases are never reported and there is no question that not enough is being done for victims.

“Charities such as RASASC are vitally important in providing a safe environment and non-judgemental support to victims. I know that any money I manage to raise will make a difference.”

Good luck Graeme! To sponsor Graeme’s fantastic efforts, visit his fundraising page.

RASASC clients can take part in a wellbeing workshop in conjunction with local mental health support charity, Mary Frances Trust.

The free workshop called ‘Being Well/Doing Well’ is aimed at RASASC clients of any gender aged between 18-25, and will help you focus on regaining control and putting yourself first.  The workshop is being delivered over Zoom, and there are three dates available: Tuesday 12th October, Wednesday 20th October and Thursday 28th October between 6:30pm-8:00pm. You will only need to attend one session.

To get involved, visit the Mary Frances Trust website and register at least 48 hours before the date of your workshop. See the workshop poster for more information, or email info@maryfrancestrust.org.uk.

A collection of old comics and Snoopy books are being auctioned on eBay for RASASC.

The collection of Victor, Wizard and Hotspur comics up for auction range from the mid 70s to mid 80s, and, alongside the 31 Snoopy books, it is hoped they will raises vital funds to help RASASC support more survivors of rape and sexual abuse across Surrey.

The comic collection comprises of 39 copies of the comic Victor, ranging from 1977- 1989, 13 copies of Wizard from 1976 – 1978 and 10 copies of Hotspur magazine from 1978 and 1980.

The 31 Snoopy books, all about the antics of the famous dog from Charles M. Schulz, are being auctioned as one lot.

See the separate listings on eBay for more details of what is included in each bundle: Snoopy books, Victor comics, Wizard and Hotspur comics