Helpline

Women & Girls – 0808 801 0456

Mondays & Fridays 11am – 2pm
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 6pm – 8.30pm

Men & Boys – 0808 801 0464

Mondays 11am – 2pm
Tuesday 6pm – 8.30pm

What you can expect when you call

Your call will be answered by one of our specially trained women volunteers who are there to listen and support you to talk about whatever is on your mind.

We are here to listen to you and believe you 100%. We will never judge or doubt you.

We know it can be very hard to take that first step and call; we respect this and will never push you to talking about anything you do not want to.

We are here to help you explore your thoughts, feelings and what options you might have. We can give you information about those options, but we will never tell you what you should do. We will support you to decide for yourself, what is right for you as an individual.

If calling our 0808 801 0456 or 0808 801 0464 numbers, your call will be free.

What if the helpline is shut when I call?

If you call outside the helpline hours you will reach a message explaining when the helpline is next open. We have a 24 hour answer machine, you can leave your details if you wish to be called back when the helpline is next open. Please only leave a number if it is safe to do so. If we are unable to get hold of you at the next helpline session we will delete your details and you will then have to call back.

If you need to speak to someone when the Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support helpline is shut you can call:

Rape Crisis England and Wales: 0808 802 9999
They are open every day of the year. 12 – 2.30pm and 7 – 9.30pm

You can also contact: The Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Bristol, The Bridge: 0117 342 6999

They provide 24/7 telephone support and advice to all survivors of sexual violence, their family and friends.

Confidentiality

Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support is a confidential service.

We do not ask you for any personal details and you do not have to give us your real name.

We don’t trace calls and your number will not show up, so unless you give us identifying information (such as your full name or address) you will remain anonymous.

We will not share what you have said to us with anyone outside of Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support.

We will only break confidentiality if:

• you request us to
• you’ve given us identifying information, and you’re an adult in need of care and support, and we’re concerned for your safety
• you are a child at risk, or you are giving us identifying information about a child at risk. We will discuss this with you first and we will remind you, before you give us identifying information, of our duty under Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult Legislation

SARSAS calls are not recorded. However for training and quality purposes, some calls will occasionally be listened to by new volunteers or helpline supervisors. If you have any concerns about this you can ask to speak to the shift supervisor.

If you are calling on our 0808 numbers they will not appear on your phone bill.