Nominated as our chosen charity of the year, West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre was put forward by Hayley Mansell as a worthy recipient of the Aspiration Training charity collection for 2018/19. Aspiration Training employees raised the £1500 through a variety of activities and events such as dress down Friday, raffles and collections.

WMRSASC is a free, confidential and non-judgemental support service for survivors who have experienced rape, assault, incest, sexual abuse, sexual harassment or any form of sexual attack, whether physical, verbal or emotional. The trauma caused by sexual abuse may not surface for many years after the event. We treat all calls equally, sensitively and confidentially, appreciating the courage required to break silence, overcome guilt and threats, and share the events of the past whether they happened days or years ago.

Sian Patterson, Policy & Sustainability Office for WMRSASC welcomed the contribution saying that the money would be used specifically for new outreach work which is being done locally to Aspiration Training England’s head office in Redditch.

The charity has been running for over 30 years and is now supporting over 1900 individuals with face-to-face support and professional counselling as well as over 890 hours logged on their dedicated helpline. The charity offers a range of support services as well as working closely with the police and local schools through prevent and safeguarding initiatives.

More information about their work and support services can be found on their website https://www.wmrsasc.org.uk/

Photo: Sian Patterson, Hayley Mansell & Sarah Arnesen (left to right)