Cash will help increase sex counselling services
SEX attack survivors are to get more support thanks to a £20,000 boost.
The Treetops Sexual Assault Referral Centre will use the government payout to offer more counselling services for victims.
Survivors from the Isle of Wight have had to travel across the Solent to the Centre in Northern Road, Cosham, since its opening in 2006.
Now NHS Portsmouth, Hampshire Constabulary and Portsmouth City Council which provide the service are to set up counselling sessions on the island.
Centre manager Mary Bridgman said: 'People living on the island have always been able to access our services, but it's less convenient for them as it involves travelling across the Solent.
'We're looking at various ways to improve this.
'Since February, for example, Wightlink Ferries has given rape survivors priority access to the ferry and allowed them to stay in their vehicle during the crossing.
'Now we would like to offer outreach counselling on the island itself, thanks to this funding.'
So far this year 281 people have visited the centre in Cosham for specialist support.
More than 1,000 people have received help since Treetops opened in November 2006.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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