External projects and partnerships
We believe in working together with brilliant services to get the most impact possible for people affected by sexual violence.
The Somerset Phoenix Project
The Somerset Phoenix Project supports professionals in Somerset to support children, young people and families affected by sexual abuse. It was set up as a partnership between SARSAS and Barnardo’s.
The Vision
- Reduce the impact of child sexual abuse on the lives of children and families
- Address problems before they become too severe and entrenched
- Work proactively with other stakeholders
https://www.somersetphoenixproject.org.uk/
The Avon & Somerset Sexual Violence Alliance
The Avon & Somerset Sexual Violence Alliance formed its partnership in 2022 and is made up of 6 organisations (including SARSAS), all providing support services to all victim-survivors of sexual assault and abuse.
The organisations involved are:
- Womankind
Womankind is run by women for women in the Bristol area. They provide specialist trauma-informed support, including professional counselling, group psychotherapy, befriending (being matched with a highly trained and supervised volunteer who provides weekly support), and a helpline service. Womankind helps improve women’s mental health and well-being, aiming for a better quality of life for those who have experienced sexual abuse or rape. Through their services, they strive to create a supportive and confidential environment. - Kinergy
Kinergy is a specialist counselling agency offering trauma-informed support to adults in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath, and North East Somerset. They provide counselling, support work, group therapy, and a helpline for survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence. Kinergy supports all genders 18+ and is inclusive of all. Their aim is to help people recover from the effects of sexual violence and abuse through accessible and supportive services. - The Bridge
The Bridge is a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) offering specialist trauma-informed support to adults and children in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, and Somerset. They provide medical care, emotional and psychological support, practical help, and forensic medical examinations for those who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Their helpline is available 24/7, providing information, advice, and support. The Bridge also offers early trauma intervention therapy for recent assaults and ongoing support for older cases. - Southmead Project
The Southmead Project provides specialist trauma-informed support, including free counselling and support for survivors of abuse and addiction in Bristol and surrounding areas. They offer unique services such as Nexus counselling (for survivors with addictions), pre-counselling groups, a Family Support Group, and the Active Recovery Project, which includes community activities. Their long-term counselling helps survivors of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, domestic violence, or neglect to recover and build confidence. - The Greenhouse
The Green House offers specialist trauma-informed support for children, young people, and families who have experienced sexual abuse in Bristol, Bath and North Somerset, North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. Their services include 1:1 therapy (creative art and play therapy, trauma-informed CBT), online therapy for young people aged 14+, nature-based creative therapy groups, and professional consultation. The Green House aims to help children and young people up to 18 heal from sexual abuse, providing a safe and supportive environment for their recovery.
The Vision
To improve therapeutic provision in the Avon and Somerset area for anyone affected by rape or any kind of sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives.
We are open to working with individuals and organisations to explore ways to provide the best support for all people affected by sexual violence. If you would like to work with us, please get in touch at info@sarsas.org.uk
In this section
The latest from our news and blogs
Shame must change sides
In four words, Gisèle Pelicot articulated what all women around the world need to hear. I want to explore the experience of shame as a victim of rape, because sometimes it’s just not as easy as “I shouldn’t be ashamed, so I won’t be”.
Rape Culture: not just a buzzword
A university student, who experienced sexual violence during the first month of enrolling, reflects on the aftermath and the pervasive nature of rape culture on campus and within wider society.
The impact of trauma on pregnancy, birth & parenthood
Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience, and for many, it can also be a challenging one. If you’ve experienced rape or sexual abuse, the past trauma can feel like a heavy weight, influencing your experiences throughout pregnancy, birth, and the early stages of parenthood.
