Survivors Together has been running since 2008, supporting women survivors of sexual violence. Here are some quotes from our women about the difference we make in their lives:
“I am very grateful this group exists. I have been lost and alone for nearly 20 years suffering the effects of trauma. With this group I feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. It has given me comfort, support and hope. I know I have a place to go where all of us are so welcomed”
“Thank you to Survivors Together. It has helped me so much with my healing journey. I no longer feel alone. The shame kept me hidden for years and the group has helped me with my confidence and self esteem”
Many of our women suffer with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and would become isolated if they didn’t have this support. Many have struggled with self harm and suicidal feelings and often come to us when they are in crisis.
One member was in acute crisis, in and out of psychiatric hospitals with severe complex ptsd and depression. Survivors Together supported her with frequent one-to-one emotional and practical support. She was able to grow in confidence, live independent of supported housing and finally gained employment. In her words:
“Survivors Together never gave up on me, despite how unwell and sometimes chaotic I was. All throughout my mental health crisis I had regular one to one support and most importantly I felt accepted unconditionally. My support worker always said she believed in me, where others had seemed to give up. I gained insight into how my trauma had affected me and no longer felt ‘broken’ or if there was something wrong with me. I was able to stop blaming myself and take the steps to start healing and moving forward in my life. My life is radically different today and I am able to live, work and help others in similar situations. To me Survivors Together gave me the unconditional love that I had never received before”
Unfortunately, we are currently facing a funding crisis which could bring the future of our charity into question. We are doing everything we can to raise funds yet it is ever harder to get since the COVID 19 pandemic.
We are the only service in the Greater London area that offers therapeutic social support to women survivors of sexual violence and so, if we close, there is no other social survivor-lead support available to them.
Please give what you can to help us continue to provide this level of support to women survivors over the Greater London area. We are getting new referrals daily and demand is ever increasing.
£25 would pay for an hour of one to one support
£70 would pay for a professional facilitator to run our support groups
£100 would pay for a woman to come on our annual retreat trip in September
Of course any amount is welcomed and appreciated.
Thank You
ST