A Basingstoke charity: Basingstoke Rape And Sexual Abuse Crisis Centre, is offering a training programme for people who would like to support others who have survived the trauma of rape or sexual abuse.
BRASACC exist to provide a telephone support and face-to-face counselling service to anyone over the age of 16 years who has been raped, sexually abused or sexually assaulted at any time in their lives. The charity also provide telephone support to parents of sexually abused children, partners, families, friends and workers from other agencies; in addition to providing talks/presentations to local community groups to raise awareness of the issues around rape and sexual abuse.
Dawn Purver, BRASACC Manager said: “Each year, we offer a training programme to attract new volunteers, and qualified counsellors. At the moment we have 17 volunteer line workers and five counsellors; but we need more so that we can always cover the crisis line, and meet the needs of those wanting face-to-face counselling.
“We believe the skills that you will learn on our training programme will be invaluable in everyday life. The course we offer is professional and includes outside speakers bringing a clear dimension to the service that we provide. It is challenging and will enable you to grow in confidence to work with people. Becoming a volunteer is extremely rewarding. Anyone who is interested to find out more is welcome to contact the office”.
BRASACC is a registered charity, and volunteers are the basis of the whole organisation and without their dedication, time and effort it would not survive. The next intensive training programme will begin in September to prepare new volunteers for the role. All volunteers receive supervision support from two highly experienced supervisors once they start working on the Crisis Line.
For more information about becoming a volunteer, call the BRASACC office on 01256 423810. The Crisis Support Line is available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 7-9pm. There is a 24-hour answerphone service.
