A CHARITY supporting victims of sexual violence in Barnsley which faced being left without a home has managed to secure new premises.
Barnsley Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Services (BSARCS) is based in the Core, on County Way, formerly owned by Voluntary Action Barnsley.
But with Barnsley Council taking over the site as part of its plans to create a new digital hub for businesses, the charities occupying the building have been forced to find new accommodation.
And while many did, for a while it seemed BSARCS would be left out in the cold.
“It’s been really difficult to find a new home,” said manager Lynne Casserly.
“We’re the largest rape charity in the north of England, we take up quite a lot of space.
“And we needed to stay in a central location that’s accessible.”
The move to a new town centre premises means BSARCS will continue to offer its vital services to those who need them after a short break to prepare its new headquarters - which it hopes to be in by April 8.
The new premises will have enough space for 12 clients, as opposed to the eight currently supported by the charity in its Core space.
Lynne said: “The new building has almost perfectly designed rooms for us.
“We’ll have more client space, so we’ll be able to make a bigger dent in our waiting list which is currently at 304 people.
“We’ve also not been able to recruit staff and have a place for them to work from, and this will enable us to do that.
“And not only do we offer services to people who have experienced sexual abuse, but we offer training around disclosure and raising awareness.
“We deliver training to social carers and police. Without us, there would be a big gap.”
Lynne said people on the waiting list currently face a seven-to-nine month wait, and the charity still faces an ‘uphill battle’ which the new larger base will hopefully contribute towards.
“It’s an important service to maintain but it’s not widely understood,” added Lynne.
“People who have experienced sexual abuse are 36 times more likely to use drugs and alcohol, and eight times more likely to use mental health services.
“We help them before they get to that point.”
Anyone who would like any more information about BSARCS and the services it provides is advised to contact the charity on 320140.
