Funding boost for Lanarkshire rape crisis centre

May 1 2008

LANARKSHIRE’S Rape Crisis Centre have received a cash boost from a number of sourcess.

The Hamilton-based centre will receive £96,763, which will help towards the core running costs of the operation.

The cash will help meet the increasing demand for the centre’s telephone support services.

The use of this service has increased by 53 per cent compared to last year.

There has also been an increase of 26 per cent in face-to-face support.

The centre offers emotional and practical support to women and girls over 12 who have experienced or been affected by rape/sexual abuse at any time of their lives.

Centre manager Anne McGuire said: “Our aim is to empower women and ensure that they have the appropriate resources available to enable their recovery.

“Many of the women we work with have been debilitated and disempowered in many ways as a direct result of their abusive experiences.

“Following structured and focused support, many of the women are able to make positive life transitions, including returning to work or education. We are delighted to have secured some of the money needed for our continued operation.”

LRCC is very successful and Anne puts this down to the skill, compassion and commitment of staff and volunteers, who work diligently to ensure good practice and quality provision.

She added: “Every individual here is part of a very successful team, and this is partly due to the selection and training systems that are in place. We are extremely lucky to have so many committed individuals who are determined to contribute to the development of comprehensive service provision for the women and girls of Lanarkshire.

“Volunteer input contributes, in kind, between £76,000 and £80,000 per annum.

“This commitment helped us to provide support to 86 women last year and we anticipate that will rise by about 20 per cent this year.”

l Women seeking support should call the telephone helpline on 01698 527003. A trained worker will be there to help.

Anyone interested in volunteering with the organisation, either as a support worker or a director (full training given) should call the business line on 01698 527006.