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 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. - 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
Be the change: how to be an Active Bystander
We can all be bystanders. Every day events unfold around us. At some point, we will register someone in danger. When this happens, we can decide to do or say something (and become an active bystander), or to let it go (and remain a passive bystander).
Kinergy closure statement
We are deeply saddened by the closure of Kinergy, an organisation that has provided invaluable support to survivors of sexual violence for nearly 30 years.
The power of creativity in healing: songs of survival
Recently, two people reached out to us independently, each having recorded a song about their personal experiences of sexual violence. Their powerful and deeply moving songs serve as a testament to resilience, and we’re honoured they asked us to share their work.
