A range of support services to meet various needs

If you would like to email us or receive email support you can contact us at support@nottssvss.org.uk

Anyone who has been affected by sexual violence, now or in the past, can contact us. We also offer support to friends, family or partners of survivors of sexual violence.

We can offer short-term or long-term counselling, for survivors aged 13 and over in the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire area, who have experienced any type of sexual violence.

Counselling offers a safe and non-judgmental environment in which you can begin to express and explore your thoughts and feelings in a way that may not be possible with family or friends.

Counselling can enable you to feel less isolated, to gain understanding and find inner strengths which can assist in re-gaining control of your life.

We are here to support anyone, aged 18 and over, who has been sexually abused in an institutional setting. These might be:

• a care home
• a school
• a hospital
• a religious organisation
• voluntary or state organisation

We are also able to support survivors who reported sexual abuse to a person in authority, for example, a police officer, social worker, or a teacher, where the report was either ignored or not acted upon properly.

Our specialist support workers will work with you to enable you to exercise greater choice and control in all aspects of your life.

Beyond Survival is a free eight-week course run for survivors who have experienced rape, sexual abuse or any kind of sexual violence.

The aims of the Group are to gain self-acceptance, self-assertion, build trust in self and in others, to experience more fulfilling lives and to meet fellow survivors and share experiences.

Session content includes themes such as:

• Safety and strength
• Self-care
• Anger and empowerment
• Trust and moving forward

Our Mindfulness course is a free, five week course designed for clients who have already received therapy to work through their traumatic experiences. It involves elements of meditation, of being able to focus on the here and now and of paying attention to both our thoughts and our feelings.

Research suggests that with frequent practice, the part of the brain that sends messages of anxiety and distress slows down, and the part that sends messages of calmness and comfort to the body becomes more active.

By then end of the course, you will:

• have practiced some of the different ways to be mindful
• have experienced some of the benefits of being mindful
• be able to practice mindfulness on your own

Our Children and Young People’s Therapeutic Support Service offers information and support to anyone living in Nottingham City, aged 13-17 (up to age 24 where there are complex needs), who has experienced rape or sexual assault, whether recently or in the past.

This service is available to young people who have already accessed the EMCYPSAS and referrals for support are handled by the central EMCYPSAS referral number.

The SARCs are provided by other organisations in Nottingham.  You can find out more on the information below.

Children and Young People’s SARC

The EMCYPSAS supports children and young people aged 0-17 (or up to the age of 24 where there are complex needs).  The service can be accessed by phone: 0800 183 0023.  Further information is on their website

Adult’s SARC

The Topaz Centre supports those aged 18 and over.  Their telephone number is 0800 085 9993.  More information about their service can be found on their website