Last updated 19:25, Thursday, 20 November 2008

WEST Cumbria’s Rape Crisis group has had its future secured for the next year following the announcement of new cash support from the Government.

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CHAIRMAN: Carol Tindall

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced that it would be one of 19 rape crisis centres in the country to be given financial backing. It will be handed an extra £37,000.

West Cumbria Rape Crisis is the largest charity in Cumbria helping victims of rape, sexual abuse and sexual assault.

Although it is a voluntary organisation, the Home Secretary said the cash was needed to support its vital work.

The financial news was a welcome boost to volunteers who attended West Cumbria Rape Crisis’s annual meeting in Carlisle on Sunday.

It allows the charity the opportunity to develop its services.

The organisation is aiming to set up two new services – a male survivors group and a service for teenagers who are missing out on targeted help as often they are above the age for children’s services but too young to be supported by adult provisions.

Eleven new volunteers have also been taken on by the charity.

Group chairwoman Carol Tindall, of Flimby, said: “It has been nice to be able to tell people that the charity has funds to take it through to next November but it does not mean we will be stopping there.

“We want to move forward and develop our services and we will be looking for major funding to help achieve this.

“We have been through some difficult times in the last few years and have come very close to folding.

“Now the work that rape crisis centres has been recognised and we must thank the Government for its support.

“The number of rape crisis centres across the country has dwindled in recent years. They have fallen victim to a lack of funds but the dedicated volunteers of these organisations, including our own, provide vital help and support and do work in a field that many people never want to think about.

“We are happy to say that we can now continue providing that necessary support to those who call on us for help.”

Workington MP Tony Cunningham said: “West Cumbria Rape Crisis provides a vital service for people who have experienced this horrific crime. Their support and dedication help victims and their families put their lives back together.

“Sadly, many rapes go unreported and we need to do more to ensure that people feel they can come forward.

“I welcome this new funding and all efforts to guarantee that this essential service is available to all who need it.”

The latest funding comes weeks after Equalities Minister Barbara Follett told MPs that West Cumbria was one of eight rape groups identified as being at “imminent risk of closure” and pledged £37,204 at that time.

The new grant takes the Government funding total to £74,408.

Rape Crisis Centres provide specialist services for women and girls who have been raped or experienced another form of sexual violence, whether as adults or as children.

Last year there were more than 13,000 recorded rapes in England and Wales.

But many cases still go unreported as victims can be reluctant to come forward because of fear of a sceptical response.

Dr Nicole Westmarland, chairwoman of Rape Crisis England and Wales, said: “Thanks to the emergency fund, 2008 has been the first year that no rape crisis centre has closed.”

The funding comes from the Department for Communities and Local Government, Government Equalities Office, Department for Health, Home Office, Ministry of Justice, and Cabinet Office.

In July, Northern Rock Foundation gave a grant of £108,000 over three years to the West Cumbria centre.

West Cumbria Rape Crisis runs a confidential helpline for male and female victims of rape, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse. It also supports relatives and friends of victims and provides information for professionals.

The West Cumbria Rape Crisis confidential helpline number is 01900 829729.