Survivors’ Network receives emergency funding boost

On 2 May, the Government announced a package of £20 million to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

PCC Katy Bourne successfully secured £700,000 of this emergency funding for Sussex. The extra funding will be used to help meet any additional costs incurred by local charities during the pandemic and to help them prepare and expand their services to cope with the expected influx in referrals as lockdown restrictions continue to loosen.

Survivors’ Network is one of 21 other local support services that have received a grant. This week they were awarded £30,718.77 to deliver vital services for survivors in Sussex, supporting them through potentially increased trauma during lockdown. The funding also facilitates a safer return to delivery of services, and supports existing services that have been stretched during the pandemic.

Jay Breslaw, who accepted the grant award on behalf of Survivors’ Network said;

“We are delighted to have been awarded this grant from the Police & Crime Commissioner. With this generous funding we will be able to increase the safety of our service provision and better support survivors all across Sussex.

Commending Survivors’ Network on its successful bid, PCC Bourne said: “Many of our local support services have struggled financially through lockdown, having to rapidly adapt their services to ensure help remains available for those in need.

“We are already seeing more people coming forward for help and, as lockdown restrictions loosen further, we must be prepared for an even greater influx.

“Survivors’ Network is a wonderful example of many organisations in Sussex working hard to ensure that victims do not suffer in silence during this pandemic and beyond.

“This money will help them to recoup and expand their valuable services so they can continue to provide vital support to our most vulnerable.”

If you have been a victim of crime you can find details of help and support on the Safe Space Sussex website: www.safespacesussex.org.uk

Rape and sexual abuse can happen to anyone regardless of their age, gender, race, religion, culture or social status. If you have experienced sexual violence at any point in your life, or are supporting someone who is a survivor, Survivors’ Network can support you through counselling, ISVA support and their twice-weekly Helpline. To find out more about their work you can visit their website at www.survivorsnetwork.org.uk, email info@survivorsnetwork.org.uk or call 01273 203380.