Charity receives £4500 contribution from law firm Simpson Millar to mark 10th anniversary
Trust House Lancashire, a charity that provides support to people affected by any kind of sexual violence or abuse to help them move through and beyond their experience, is marking its 10th anniversary by launching its ‘Ten for Trust House’ challenge.
As part of the initiative the charity is inviting people to create their own challenge around the number ten, such as running or walking a 10k, or keeping off social media for 10 hours. All funds raised will help Trust House to continue to deliver specialist counselling and support services for children and adults affected by rape and sexual abuse.
The support will help ensure children have access to specialist tailored support following sexual abuse at the earliest opportunity, so that they recover and are able to lead fulfilling and happy lives not limited by their abuse experiences.
To help kickstart the challenge and to mark the anniversary, the charity has also received £4500 contribution to its operating costs from law firm Simpson Millar’s charity committee – funds that could pay for nine adults to receive 16 sessions of counselling to support their recovery following rape or sexual assault.
Other events planned to celebrate the milestone include a sell-out Spring Ball in March, Tropic Skin Care event on 9th March, Fashion Show with a glass of fizz on 24th April, Morecambe Bay Walk on 13th May, Golf Day at Leyland Golf Club on 8th September, and much more to come.
Catherine Smith, CEO for Trust House Lancashire, said: “We are excited to be launching our 10th anniversary celebrations with our Ten for Trust House challenge, and a 2023 diary that is full of fundraising events.
“With 1 in 20 children, 1 in 6 men and 1 in 3 women experiencing some form of sexual abuse, it’s imperative that funds are raised to enable Trust House Lancashire to offer support to take those affected by it to go beyond their experience and feel safe in normal environments that others take for granted.
“Last year Trust House supported 1200 people, yet it is not well known as there is no sign above the door for obvious reasons and people who have used the service don’t usually tell others.
“We are therefore extremely grateful to all of our supporters who do know about us for their efforts to raise fund, and to Simpson Millar’s Charity Committee for its generous contribution to our operating costs. It all makes an enormous difference and will help us to keep operating throughout the next year, helping abuse survivors from across the Lancashire.”
Jonny Gray, Simpson Millar’s Charity Committee Chair, added: “Trust House Lancashire carries out such important work in the local area and we are delighted to have been able to show our support by making a contribution to their ongoing operating costs.”
Trust House Lancashire works with a range of different organisations and community groups to prevent, educate and increase awareness of the impact of sexual violence and abuse. It also provides training that can give practical advice on how to people can also support others who may have been affected by sexual violence or abuse.
A report published in March 2022 by the National Statistics for Crime in England and Wales reported that the number of sexual offences in Lancashire alone rose by 34% from the previous year.
These statistics show how vital it is that the community and businesses throughout Lancashire, get behind Trust House by taking part in events, the lottery, making a donation or volunteering their time to ensure the people who need the support, receive the support.
