Who we are and what we do
We are a voluntary organisation that works primarily with women survivors of sexual abuse, both past and present. Our volunteers are women and many are trained counsellors. All volunteers are especially trained to deal with the multitudinous issues surrounding sexual abuse - both rape and childhood trauma. At the moment we do not charge for our service, this may be reviewed in the not too distant future. But donations will be gratefully received.
This service is provided to clients by us as a Collective. This cultural way of working means that there is no "chain of command". However, we do have professionally qualified supervisors who ensure that we provide a high quality of service.
Information is shared within the Collective on clients' needs and progress through supervision. Our service is confidential unless we become aware of situations that involve current childhood abuse. In any such case we will inform the appropriate authorities.
We also offer support to others that have been affected.
A Board of Trustees deals with the organisational side of the Collective.
We have developed a strong productive partnership with Mpower - an organisation that works with male survivors of sexual abuse. Therefore we can give some support to male relatives of female survivors and vice versa. Male survivors are treated with every dignity and respect if they contact us and are offered Mpower's phone number (08088084321) for their specialist support.
There are four ways in which we can help:
• Telephone Helpline: (01603) 667687
Tuesday 7pm - 9pm or Friday 12 - 2pm.
• Initial Appointments. These are for first time callers.
• Holding Appointments. For those on the waiting list to see a counsellor.
• 1-2-1 Counselling - when a counsellor becomes available.
(Calls are monitored to ensure quality of service.)
HELPLINE:
Trained volunteers operate this line (see hours above). This line can be used when you are in crisis or on a regular basis for support if you don't have a regular counsellor
INITIAL APPOINTMENTS:
Clients are given the opportunity to explore, with a trained volunteer, any issues of concern relating to their abuse. This appointment usually lasts for an hour. If however the client needs to leave earlier this does not prevent their return at a future date. During this process the options for further help and support are looked at and information given of other agencies offering similar support services. Clients can then, if they wish, go on our waiting list to see a regular counsellor. Clients are also usually offered our self-help book, which is free. All clients may still contact the helpline.
HOLDING APPOINTMENTS:
If the client wishes to go on the waiting list they may request a Holding Appointment, which is usually one month after their Initial Appointment. Holding Appointments will only be offered on a monthly basis and the counsellor you see may not necessarily be the same person whom you saw at the Initial Appointment, (this includes any further holding appointments). Key relevant case material will be shared with counsellors, so that clients do not have to "start again" with giving information. To contact us for a monthly Holding Appointment please leave a message on the answerphone (see above number).
COUNSELLING:
Counselling will be offered on a regular basis, with the same counsellor for a period of time, which is client focused. A written contract will be entered into between the client and the counsellor and a review date set at the first session. Sessions will last for an hour and the counsellor will attend individual and group supervision to ensure quality of service.
WAITING LIST:
We are sad to say that, unfortunately, there is a waiting list. However, clients on our list will be contacted at three monthly intervals to let them know the current situation and to see if they wish to remain on the list.
Norwich Rape Crisis
is supported by:
Charity No. 287656