The Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre – Guildford.

Suzanne and I met with a truly inspiring group of people when we visited the Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre in Guildford. Despite having to often deal with difficult and distressing cases, with a 165% increase in referrals over the past 5 years, their dedication to their job and camaraderie in supporting each other was wonderful to see. Daisy Anderson, the CEO, walked us through the services they provide including Independent Sexual Violence Advice, counselling services (for adults and young people aged 13 upwards), a support line and outreach education and raising of awareness. Across these areas they supported over 1,300 clients in 2024/25.

They are hampered in their efforts due to the wait for court time, which can be up to four years, reduction in statutory funding and a rise in, and reporting of, sexual offences. 

The High Sheriff Youth Awards provided a grant last year which enabled the recruitment of additional sessional counsellors to meet the growing demand for counselling for young survivors with increasingly complex needs. To date the grant has helped provide counselling for an additional 36 young people. RASASC provides a space where young people feel like they are heard; where they feel safe to speak about things they may not feel able to share with their family or peers.

Raising funds to support their endeavours is increasingly  challenging and a number of similar centres across the country have recently closed due to funding issues. Ways to support can be found here https://www.rasasc.org/support-us