A year of transition and resilience – SARSAS Impact Report 2023 – 2024
We're pleased to share our Impact Report for the last financial year.
This year marked a transition with Lorri Weaving stepping in to the role of SARSAS CEO, following Claire Bloor’s departure after 6 years of leading SARSAS through challenging times into the strong, sustainable organisation we are today.
Under Lorri’s guidance, we have continued to offer a diverse range of free services tailored to the unique needs of survivors, against a backdrop of rising service demands and economic challenges, receiving an average of four referrals daily, totalling 1,382 over the year.
Some highlights
As part of our ongoing commitment to improving our equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), the last financial year also saw us launch our first trans and non-binary (TNBI) inclusion event in November 2023, creating a platform for specialist organisations nationwide to share insights and come together to celebrate successes.
We saw our training programme grow considerably, delivering 72 sessions across England and Ireland on topics such as Responding to Disclosures, Consent, and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.
SARSAS also strengthened community ties by participating in events like Glastonbury Festival, Bristol Pride, and Trans Pride, promoting awareness and support for survivors.
Looking ahead
We remain committed to reducing waiting times, expanding partnerships, and enhancing our community-based services. We continue to prioritise survivor voices, ensuring that their experiences shape our services and future initiatives.
We are so proud of everything we have achieved this year and couldn’t have done it without the passion and commitment of our incredible team of staff and volunteers – they are the beating heart of SARSAS.
As always, our last words are for victim-survivors. We will be here, alongside you, again this year, and every year, until everyone can live in a world free from sexual violence.
The latest from our news and blogs
Introducing our FREE ‘Drop-In & Reach Out’ support service in Bristol
This year, we were proud to launch our new, free ‘Drop In & Reach Out’ service – designed to provide accessible emotional support and wellbeing resources to people in Inner City and East Bristol.
Isabelle Smith, star of Hollyoaks: Why I’m running the Great Manchester Run for SARSAS
We’re so proud to share that Isabelle Smith, Hollyoaks star, is running the Great Manchester Run 10k this weekend in support of SARSAS!
What is a sexual assault referral centre (SARC)?
A SARC can offer free, confidential medical, practical and emotional support to people who have been raped, sexually abused or assaulted at any point in their lives. They’re usually provided by the NHS, but will always have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers.
