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Darlington and County Durham’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (RSACC) is to launch it’s first ever radio advertisement campaign to promote it’s Helpline. This is the first time in RSACC’s 30 year history that the charity has used radio advertising to promote its services.The campaign will run across Durham & Darlington FM from February 15th, and aims to reach sexual violence survivors who due to lockdown may not be aware of the charity and the range of services it provides - especially its telephone Helpline.
The campaign has been made possible through funding allocated by the Office of the Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner’s emergency COVID 19 grant provided by the Ministry of Justice. This additional funding has been crucial in helping services for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence continue to deliver support through the difficult circumstances created by the COVID 19 pandemic.
RSACC, like many charities, has been significantly impacted by their inability to fundraise due to COVID-19 restrictions, but this has been combined with an increased demand during the three lockdowns for their services. RSACC now has a waiting list of over 6 months for a survivor in Darlington and County Durham to see one of their counsellors. Therefore, the Helpline provides a vital link and access to the charity’s expertise and advice, for survivors seeking support for the first time or those who require emotional and practical assistance until they can begin their counselling.
RSACC’s Deputy CEO, Isabel Owens commented:
“Our Helpline is a lifeline for the many survivors who are seeking support for the first time , or those who need regular support from people who understand their trauma and the challenges they face on a daily basis.
“Survivors face additional challenges during the pandemic. All require support that responds to their own individual needs.The first place to get that support is our Helpline. We are here to listen and help.
“Our Helpline is open to all survivors of sexual violence in Darlington and County Durham. It doesn’t matter wh
ether it happened yesterday or 30 years ago our helpline is here to support any one who has experienced rape or any form of sexual abuse. ”
Steve White, Acting Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner said, “We are extremely grateful that the RSACC has continued to deliver support to some of the most vulnerable members in our community during the pandemic.
“I am delighted to be able to offer financial assistance to assist them through these very trying times so they can promote their services through more channels.
“Getting the message out to victims that support is still available is vital and the helpline provides that crucial lifeline to victims who are seeking emotional and practical support”.
The Helpline is open Monday - Thursday 10am-2pm and Tuesday and Thursday 6.30pm-9pm. The number is 0300 222 5730. It is anonymous and confidential and available to any survivor who has been directly or indirectly affected by sexual violence or domestic abuse.
Other online help is available on its website: Get help - RSACC (rsacc-thecentre.org.uk)
The ad will feature on Durham & Darlington FM for one month, and be aired during the station’s prime time slots. Darlington & Durham FM is part of the Sun FM network and can be heard on 103.2MHz in Darlington and 102.8 MHz and 106.8 MHz in County Durham.
If you would like to donate to RSACC to help a sexual violence survivor, please go: Support us - RSACC (rsacc-thecentre.org.uk)
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