Notts SVSS are pleased to announce that we are receiving money from the National Lottery Community Fund to set up a Peer Support Service.  The funding, which totals £468,621 will be given to Notts SVSS over a period of five years, enabling us to start this new service and empower peer-led support.

We know that survivors of sexual violence can benefit greatly from being around others with similar experiences.  While it can be difficult to talk about our experiences with our friends and family, supporting others with a shared experience of sexual violence can remove feelings of shame and isolation.  This can be an important step in moving away from therapy and into a community where we can thrive.

The groups will be run and directed by survivors, helping to ensure that it delivers what they need.  Training in leading a peer-support group will be offered to survivors on a regular basis.  Those who feel more comfortable leading individual activities will be supported as needed.  Experienced staff will also provide emotional support and self-care advice and help with sourcing resources, training, talks and other opportunities.

Preparations are underway

As we get ready to launch the service, staff are attending additional training.  We are also asking survivors who are coming to the end of support or have recently left the service if they would like to be involved.  A consultation will be sent out to understand what is needed in these early stages and highlight any concerns or barriers to joining a group.  We will also be asking survivors to share any knowledge, skills or expertise they could bring.  If you are a survivor and would like to find out more, please let your support worker know.

We are really excited about this new development in our service, which we know will help make a lasting difference to our community.  We are very grateful to the National Lottery for funding this work over a long-term period.  This provides stability to the project while valuing survivors and believing in us.