Victims of rape and sexual violence in Birmingham and Solihull are to receive extra support thanks to nearly half a million pounds of additional funding.

The Rape and Sexual Violence Project (RSVP) has been awarded a four-year grant of £428,998 by the Big Lottery Fund’s “Reaching Communities” programme.

RSVP, a charity set up to help those in Birmingham and Solihull, supports victims through the justice system following sexual assault. It also offers one-to-one specialist sexual violence counselling from its premises in Birmingham city centre, as well as outreach services, and independent advocacy.

RSVP also supports the newly-established Abuse Survivors Clinic at Whittall Street Clinic run by Umbrella – a new sexual health service for Birmingham and Solihull, managed by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.

All of the Big Lottery funds will be used to support children, women and men affected by sexual violence and abuse.

On receiving the news, Chief Executive Lisa Thompson said: “We are extremely thankful for this funding from The Big Lottery.

“Over the last five years we have seen a 275% increase in the demand for our counselling services.

“These funds will not only allow us to respond to that demand by increasing the number of RSVP counsellors, but it will also help us to support and inspire more children, women and men affected by sexual violence and abuse across Birmingham and Solihull, and importantly, respond to their needs much more quickly and effectively.”

For more information about how RSVP supports victims of sexual violence and abuse visit the RSVP website (see below)>