A COUNSELLING charity which supports victims of rape and sexual abuse has faced a tough year with a growing need for support.

Staff at Birchall Trust are striving to support victims of abuse during the coronavirus, quickly adapting to give online support across Barrow, Kendal, Morecambe and Lancaster as the pandemic forced them to halt face-to-face sessions.

Vanessa Dixon, who has just been appointed as the trust's new CEO, said: "This year has been unbelievably tough for everyone, but for those people needing to access counselling and support it’s been even tougher.

"The Birchall team haven’t stopped – they have adapted and changed how they do things and that is inspirational for a new leader coming in to think about what other opportunities we have.

"The work that happens within the Trust is amazing. The impact and support they offer to individuals to get their lives back after such an horrific event means it is a tremendous privilege to join such a passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated team.”

In October 2019, The Trust became one of the first charities to receive a Quality Mark for providing services to male survivors of sexual abuse.

Besides counselling, the Birchall Trust dedicates itself to the education of the wider community, with nearly 30 years experience in educating others about the effects of sexual abuse on mental and physical health.

The Trust is dependent on grants and donations, and provides all of its services for free.

In the long term, the Birchall Trust wants to educate youngsters about healthy relationships and prevention of abusive behaviour.

Liz Taylor, chair of the charity's Trustees, said: "Experience of new ways of delivering our counselling service because of the pandemic has challenged our thinking about how we work in the digital age.

"This, combined with the appointment of our new CEO, gives us the opportunity to consider new ways of providing help to survivors and their families using a wider range of skill." If you would like to speak to the Birchall team, call: 01229 820828 or send them an email at: enquiries@birchalltrust.org.uk