Sex abuse charity to close after nearly 40 years

A charity that provides counselling and support to people affected by sexual violence and abuse has announced its "heartbreaking" closure due to a lack of funding.

Savana has been operating for almost 40 years in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

In a statement posted online, the charity said "despite tireless efforts" it had been unable to secure the funds it needed to continue.

"This is a devastating loss for our community," the statement said. Most services will cease from 30 April, although a few are being transferred to other organisations.

CEO Sophia Baker told the BBC it had become increasingly difficult to secure financial support over recent years.

Specialist organisations, such as Savana, seemed to be disproportionately affected, she said.

"We know the importance of the work that we do. We're a lifeline," she said.

"Personally, it's heartbreaking".

She said about 25 members of staff were being made redundant, with six being transferred to other organisations to continue offering some services.

Ms Baker said two of the charity's counsellors would be carrying on their work, supported by Staffordshire Women's Aid.

The charity's independent sexual violence advisor service, which helps people through the criminal justice process, will be transferred to Staffordshire Women's Aid and continue unaffected, she added.

Savana's training arm and all other work will stop at the end of April.

The charity's statement said: "For nearly four decades, we have stood alongside survivors, offering support, advocacy, and a safe space to heal.

"To every person who has trusted us with their experiences, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

"Your courage has been, and will always be, at the core of everything we stand for."

The organisation said it wanted to recognise the "extraordinary dedication" of its staff and volunteers.

"While our organisation may be closing, the need for support for survivors remains urgent," it said.

"We can only hope that our community, policymakers and funders will recognise this gap and work toward ensuring that no survivor is left without help."

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