Helpline, e-support and live chat
Our free, confidential helpline, live chat, and email services are here for anyone aged 13+ who has been affected by rape or sexual abuse at any point in their life.
You’re welcome to get in touch in whatever way feels most comfortable for you. You don’t need to have the “right” words, and you can take things at your own pace. We can also share information about other support services, if and when you want that.
These services are not emergency or crisis services. If you feel at immediate risk or need urgent medical help, please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.
Our services are available to people living in the Avon and Somerset region (Bath, Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset, and South Gloucestershire).
The support we offer
We offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you are in control of what you share and how you engage. You can talk about whatever feels important, take breaks, or choose not to talk at all.
We will listen with care and compassion, and we will believe you. We can offer information and gently explore options with you, but we won’t tell you what to do. Our role is to support you in a way that respects your choices, pace, and needs.
“After I speak to SARSAS, I always come off the phone feeling a lot more hopeful. The very first time I called the helpline I hoped that it would help, that it would be a step forward. It turned out to be a leap forward. Thank you SARSAS for being there, I don’t know what I’d do without you”
Freephone Helpline
Phone: 0808 801 0456
Opening hours:
- Monday & Friday: 11am – 2pm
- Tuesday & Thursday: 6pm – 8pm
(Closed on bank holidays, Christmas, and Easter)
How it works
When you call, you’ll speak with a trained volunteer who is there to listen and support you. Calls can last up to 40 minutes, although this may be shorter if the helpline is closing soon.
Calls are free and won’t appear on your phone bill. You don’t have to explain anything you’re not ready to share. You’re in control of the conversation.
Live Chat
Access via: sarsas.org.uk
Opening hours:
- Monday: 11am – 2pm
- Tuesday & Thursday: 6pm – 8pm
(Closed on bank holidays, Christmas, and Easter)
How it works
During opening hours, a live chat box will appear on our website, allowing you to connect with one of our specially trained volunteers. Chat sessions can last up to 40 minutes, although you may have less time if the service is closing soon.
You can take your time to write, pause whenever you need, and end the chat at any point without giving a reason.
Email Support
Email: support@sarsas.org.uk
Availability: 24/7 – we aim to respond within 1 working day
(Closed on bank holidays, Christmas, and Easter)
How it works
You can email us at a time that feels right for you. We aim to respond within one working day with a thoughtful reply you can return to whenever you need.
You may hear from different volunteers, but they will see your previous emails, so you won’t need to repeat yourself unless you want to. You can write as much or as little as you like, and there’s no pressure to reply to our emails.
Frequently asked questions
Appropriate use of the service
Our helpline and live chat services are intended to provide emotional support and information for people affected by sexual violence. If the volunteer you are speaking with considers a call or chat inappropriate or aggressive, it may be ended.
We value your feedback
At the end of a helpline call or live chat, you may be invited to share feedback through a short survey. This helps us improve the service and support future funding. Your responses are anonymous and not shared with the volunteer you spoke with.
If you would like to make a complaint, you can do so via our contact page.
Out of hours support
If you would like support outside of our opening times, you can contact:
- National 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line: 0808 500 2222 (24/7) and 24/7 online chat
- The Bridge Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Bristol): 0117 342 6999
In an emergency or urgent medical situation, call 999.
Useful links
In this section
The latest from our news and blogs
Meet the Team: Specialist Support Work (SSW)
We caught up with Ellie and Flo, two of our Specialist Support Workers, to explore what a typical day looks like for them and why the emotional, practical, and advocacy support their team offers can be so beneficial to those who come to SARSAS.
Meet the Team: Learning Disabilities & Autism (LDA) specialist support
We sat down with Georgie, our Learning Disabilities and Autism (LDA) Art Therapist, and Molly, one of our LDA Specialist Support Workers, to find out more about what they get up to day-to-day, and why LDA expertise is so important for people that come to SARSAS.
