The funding struggles of sexual abuse centres in the UK have reached critical levels in 2024, drastically affecting their ability to provide essential services to survivors of sexual violence. These centres offer life-saving support, including therapy, counselling, advocacy, and compensation guidance, yet many are struggling to stay open due to a lack of financial resources.
To address this pressing issue, Alan Collins, who works with survivors of abuse to help them secure compensation which supports their recovery, skydived to raise funds for Trust House Reading and We-Together, two organisations doing remarkable work in supporting survivors.
Trust House Reading
Trust House Reading is a specialist sexual violence support centre that provides a range of services to survivors of rape, sexual assault, and abuse. They offer face-to-face counselling, telephone support, and advocacy for both adults and children. Trust House’s services are designed to help survivors at every stage of their recovery, from crisis intervention to long-term support. They also provide crucial assistance in navigating the legal and justice system, ensuring survivors are informed and supported throughout the process.
We-Together
We-Together focuses on holistic healing for survivors, offering not only emotional support but also a range of practical services. Their mission is to empower those affected by sexual violence by providing resources that help them rebuild their lives. From therapy and recovery workshops to legal and financial advice, We-Together creates a network of support that addresses the full scope of needs for survivors. The organisation’s work is particularly important in helping survivors secure the compensation they need to support their long-term recovery.
Support from the sky
With Alan’s skydiving fundraiser, the money raised will directly benefit these two incredible organisations, helping to maintain and expand their critical services. Trust House and We-Together both face challenges due to limited funding, with long waiting lists for their services and growing demand outpacing available resources. By contributing to Alan’s campaign, donors will be making a tangible difference in the lives of survivors who are in desperate need of timely, effective support.
This fundraiser comes at a time when over 55,000 individuals are on waiting lists for sexual abuse support services in England and Wales.
Both Trust House and We-Together are essential in filling this gap, but they require urgent financial backing to continue their vital work.
Speaking about his skydive, Alan comments:
“It was an experience! I am glad that I had the opportunity. It was “awesome” to quote my instructor to bail out at 15000 feet over Salisbury Plain. I am pleased that we have raised £1000 for the two charities, and am grateful to all those who made such generous donations. Thank you”.
