Seeking further support – healing and recovery
When seeking further support or signposting, its important to remember that different things work for different people. Always try to offer the person you are working with options on what might suit them best.
What is therapy?
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) describes therapy as a safe and confidential space to talk to a trained professional about issues and concerns. A therapist will help to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Finding and accessing support
There are many different types and methods of counselling and therapy. The choice of therapy may be limited based on where and how it is accessed.
If you think the person you are supporting would benefit from counselling or psychological therapy, you could:
- Speak to their GP about psychological therapies referrals
- Find a local charity that can provide counselling services or psychotherapy
- Contact your local Community Learning Disabilities and or Autism service
- Refer to their local specialist sexual violence service for a support assessment.
Finding support in your local area
You can find support in your local area by looking on the Rape Crisis England and Wales website.
The Survivor Pathway is a guide to the specialist sexual violence services across the South West. It is for professionals, survivors and concerned others.
Respond is a national charity providing therapy and specialist support services to autistic people and/or people with learning disabilities who have experienced abuse, violence, or trauma. Respond provide psychotherapy services, specialist support and peer support services.
Helplines
There are local and national helplines where people can talk about what they have experienced or how they are feeling.
Helplines can provide valuable support while someone is waiting to access therapeutic services.
SARSAS helpline
We provide helpline, live chat and email support 5 days a week for anyone living in Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset, Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
More information can be found on our website.
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week
Call free on 08085002222 or online chat.
More information can be found on the website.
Survivors Trust National helpline
National free helpline that operates 7 days a week. Call free on 0808 801 0818 or join a live chat.
More information can be found on the website.
Useful resources
More information
The latest from our news and blogs
Joint advice on getting help after rape and sexual assault and the use of self-swab kits
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, there is support available from organisations in Bristol and throughout Avon and Somerset.
Online Safety Act 2023: what might happen in practice? (Part 3)
In the third and final of our series of blogs looking at the Act, SARSAS comms volunteer, Toby, gives an overview of the act, how it has been implemented so far and what might come next.
Frank’s Inspiring Art Auction for SARSAS
At SARAS, we are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by people who go above and beyond to help us listen, believe, and support victim-survivors of sexual violence. One such person is the wonderful Frank, whose recent fundraising initiative not only surpassed expectations but also showcased the power of creativity and community spirit.
