A CHARITY which helps people who have been victims of sexual violence and abuse in North Wales is developing its services.

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre in Parc Menai, near Bangor, has received a three-year grant to fund a new role.

Cash from the Steve Morgan Foundation will help with the development a Lead Clinician.

Allie Regan will take up the new position working across all six counties of North Wales.

The charity was first launched by four women in their kitchen in Bangor back in 1984.

Chief Executive of RASASCNW Jane Ruthe said: “We are extremely grateful to the Steve Morgan Foundation, as this new post is an exciting development for the organisation.

“Without this funding, this would not have been possible.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to expand the hard-working team, and in particular some of the more challenging aspects of providing counselling.

“Allie will also be leading on group work, and survivor forums.” The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre has centres and venues across North Wales.

The centres offer one-to-one counselling for anyone who has been subjected to any form of sexual violence, whether recent, or further back in time.

The service is for to anyone of any gender or age, and there is also a specialist Children and Young Peoples service, funded by Children in Need.

“In the six months from April to October, RASASCNW provided support to 382 adults, and 130 young people aged from eight to 17,” added Jane.

“This included a total of 2,462 counselling sessions, with referral and self-referral numbers rising year on year.”

Jane Harris, Director of Regional Funding for Steve Morgan Foundation said trustees had no hesitation in deciding to support RASASCNW.

“This is an exceptionally well-run organisation with a team of professional and committed volunteers,” said Jane.

“The charity has grown immeasurably since being formed as a rape crisis telephone centre, and now helps people cope with the trauma they have experienced with the aim of being able to lead happy and sustainable lives.

“They were in need of a Lead Clinician, to help across the organisation but particularly with the more challenging cases, and our trustees are pleased to be able to award this three-year grant and wish Allie all the very best in the new role.”

RASASCNW say it remains grateful for all the funding they receive, including the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Welsh Government, Children in Need, the Ministry of Justice, and Lloyds Foundation, used to pay for the counselling provided in North Wales.

Anyone affected by sexual violence who would like to seek support, can contact RASASCNW on (01248) 670628.

The Live Fear Free Helpline is available on 0808 80 10 800, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.