Funding Secured for Two Important Services
We are delighted to have received further funding to secure and enhance our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service and Survivors’ Support Service.
The services which have been commissioned by the Nottinghamshire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (NOPCC), with funding from the Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council, were developed in response to research undertaken by the NOPCC.
This research found that there were only two ISVAs working across the whole of Nottingham/shire, employed by Notts SVS Services. The NOPCC worked hard with local councils to secure funding to these services, which are vital for survivors seeking justice and support.
The new funding means that:
- There is an increased number of ISVAs working in Nottingham/shire, with ISVAs for adults based at Notts SVS Services and a Children and Young People’s CHISVA Service based with IMARA.
- A dedicated Survivors Support Worker to support adults affected by Institutional Child Sexual Abuse.
- A new exciting opportunity for trained and accredited Volunteer Support Workers to join the ISVA team.
Paddy Tipping, Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said ‘We want to provide the very best care and support to all victims of sexual violence from the earliest opportunity. For this reason these new services will allow – for the very first time – victims and survivors to access support before and after their police interview, if they would like it.’
Novlet Holness, CEO for Notts SVS Services said ‘We are delighted to have been awarded the contracts to provide ISVA and Survivor Support Services, for adult survivors in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
‘For over 35 years, Notts SVS Services have been providing emotional and practical support and counselling to survivors of sexual violence. Futhermore, we have delivered the ISVA Service for over 10 years. The new funding, which has been secured for two years, will enable us to further develop and increase the number of staff providing support for survivors of sexual violence who are accessing the Criminal Justice System.’
Find out more, get involved
Our ISVA service is vital for helping survivors to make decisions about their future and to access the Criminal Justice System. This funding has allowed us to increase the number of ISVAs working with survivors and as part of this we are now offering exciting new volunteer opportunities for Support Workers to join the ISVA team.
The continued funding for the Survivors’ Support Service has also come at an important time as the IICSA Truth Project will soon be returning to Nottingham. This service supports adult survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse, helping supporting them with access to health services, developing coping strategies, information and support around contacting agencies with regards to housing, welfare benefits etc and support through the Criminal Justice System etc.
We have updated our leaflets for both services which can be downloaded from our website. Copies can also be ordered via email.
