Helpline volunteers – we’re recruiting
You could make a big difference to the lives of survivors by becoming a helpline volunteer at RSVP. Our telephone helpline supports survivors emotionally and practically, by lending a friendly, non-judgmental ear. As well as giving empathic support, we provide information on services available and make referrals into counselling, advocacy and other services.
The helpline opening hours has increased significantly over the past year, and we want it to keep growing. As a helpline volunteer you would commit to a weekly shift at our Birmingham city centre office, you would receive full training and regular clinical supervision.
For more information, and to apply please find below:
Cover letter for helpline applicants 2016
Helpline application form 2016
Role Description Helpline Volunteer
Please return completed application form by 5pm Sunday 18th September to info@rsvporg.co.uk Interviews will take place on 4th, 6th, 12th October.
If you are successful at the interview stage you will then be required to attend a training programme and complete shadow shifts to understand our work. The training dates for this recruitment are on five consecutive Thursdays – all training dates must be attended.
Thursday 10th November 2016 10.00 – 16.00
Thursday 17th November 2016 1000 – 16.00
Thursday 24th November 2016 10.00 – 16.00
Thursday 1st December 2016 10.00 – 16.00
Thursday 8th December 2016 10.00 – 16.00
if you would like to discuss the role before making an application, speak to Katie Simpson, Helpline and Counselling Team Leader on 0121 643 0301 or info@rsvporg.co.uk
RSVP selected by John Lewis
John Lewis has selected RSVP as one of three Community Matters charities over the next three months at their Birmingham city centre store. £3000 will be shared amongst the three charities, and it’s up to customers to decide how much each charity receives! You can help RSVP raise funds by using a token to select us the charity you’d like to support. You can find the information, and tokens at the Place to Eat, Level 4 and Customer Collections, Level 2.
We’d love it if you could vote for us, and spread the word!
Vicky’s Room
Tuesday 21st June was about a very special person, Vicky. She was our beloved colleague who we lost last year. Since she was one of our children’s advocates, with the blessing of her family, we have created “Vicky’s Room”, a safe welcoming space where we’ll support all the sexually abused children and young people that we see.
Vicky’s Room
On Tuesday we held a launch event for her children, family, friends and colleagues. It was an emotional day but a great success too. We had lovely feedback about the special space that we’ve created as Vicky’s legacy. For everyone who attended it was both a proud day and a sad one at the same time.
We are pleased to share these images with you and let you know that Birmingham now has a special place to support children who’ve been sexually abused. Our thanks also go to:
-Vicky’s family, friends and loved ones, including those who gave to Vicky’s appeal last year
-the funders and businesses who donated to us
– to the builders who helped create our newly expanded premises.
To you all, we could not have done it without you. Vicky would feel so excited about the warm colourful space that traumatised children can now be safely supported in, so they can grow and thrive after sexual abuse. Just the sort of thing that Vicky helped so many children achieve.
Lisa, CEO.
#Giveme5 – £5 donations doubled tomorrow
Tomorrow, Thursday 16th June, £5 donations to RSVP via Localgiving will be placed into a draw. 1000 donations made to charities via Localgiving will be doubled. There’s no limit to how many donations to RSVP could be doubled, it’s a random draw, so the more £5 donations the more likely!
Start date & time: Thursday 16th June at 00:00:00
End date & time: Thursday 16th June at 23:59:59
Conditions of entry: Each £5 donation made to a participating charity through Localgiving between the promotion start and end times will be placed into a draw to be doubled by an extra £5 of match funding. Donations of other amounts will not be included in the draw. The promotion only applies to one-time donations.
If you’re able to donate please do so using the following link localgiving.org/charity/rsvp-wm/ from midnight, and please spread the word to family and friends.
Infinity Stage Company make RSVP their charity of the year!
We’re delighted to be Infinity Stage Company’s charity of the year for the next academic year. Charlie from Infinity has written this guest blog, as an introduction to the group, and explaining why the members chose to support RSVP.
Some of the members of Infinity Stage Company
The University of Birmingham’s Infinity Stage Company produce roughly six shows a year, specialising in contemporary theatre. However, what sets us apart from other drama societies at the university is that, every year, we choose a new charity to which we donate the proceeds from our shows. This allows us to combine our dedication to high quality performances with a contribution to charities and causes that we consider important. This year, we put the decision of choosing a charity down to a poll by our members and RSVP was chosen.
It isn’t difficult to understand why so many felt so passionate about supporting this local charity. As students, most of us are living alone and away from home for the first time in our lives. While this is obviously an exciting new chapter in so many ways, the flip side of this new independence is a new vulnerability. There are new dangers that we have to deal with and it means a great deal that there are institutions, such as RSVP, in place to help us if the worst should ever happen. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that RSVP should resonate so profoundly with Infinity.
The University of Birmingham and its Guild of Students have always taken an unwavering stance against sexual harassment, as shown by its #NotOn Campaign, which has mobilised students to challenge and prevent sexual violence wherever they find it. We hope that, by supporting and promoting this cause, we will not only encourage people to donate and contribute to the great service that it provides, but also raise awareness that, if you should ever need it, help is available. We plan to be actively involved in RSVP in whatever way possible, in order to benefit the
charity as best we can.
Enormous thanks to all the members at Infinity for supporting RSVP, watch this space for future updates on fundraising activity.
Sex and intimacy after sexual abuse, with Nina Burrowes on Sunday 26th June
Finding pleasure after pain. Sex and intimacy after sexual abuse
We’re thrilled to announce an event with psychologist and cartoonist Nina Burrowes, who will be in conversation with RSVP Chief Exec Lisa Thompson on Sunday 26th June 3pm-5pm at mac (Midlands Art Centre), Cannon Hill Park, B12 9QH.
How can sexual abuse as a child or adult impact the way you have sex and experience intimacy later in life? How can we ‘recover’ our sexual selves, as well as the rest of us? Join Nina Burrows and Lisa Thompson for a conversation about sex and intimacy after sexual abuse. This event is open to anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violation, their partners, or professionals who work with sexual violence survivors in therapy.
Please note that this is not a therapy session, and participants will not be expected to share personal stories. The event will be a mutual educational session, with opportunities for questions and discussion.
About Nina Burrowes
Dr Nina Burrowes is a psychologist who helps people understand the psychology of sexual violence. She works closely with police, prosecutors and the judiciary as a trainer and consultant both in the UK and overseas. She’s a regular contributor to media discussions on sexual abuse; the author of ‘The courage to be me’ and ‘Eyes open to sexual abuse: What every parent needs to know’, the creator of the online video series ‘Sexual abuse: The questions you’ve never had the chance to ask’, and the instigator of ‘Clear Lines Festival’ the UK’s first festival on sexual assault. You can find out more about Nina and her work at www.ninaburrowes.com or follow her on Twitter @NinaBurrowes
About Lisa Thompson
Lisa is a qualified social worker and psychotherapist with 23 years experience supporting survivors of rape and sexual violence. She is Chief Executive of RSVP, who provide compassionate services in Birmingham and Solihull for children, women and men who have experienced rape, sexual violence and abuse. Lisa also founded GINA, a community interest company that creates products, events and opportunities for sexual violence survivors, including a regular survivors’ running group.
Tickets are £15 + booking fee and available from www.eventbrite.co.uk
New LGBT ISVA service
RSVP and Birmingham LGBT have partnered up with the Umbrella sexual health service to deliver a new advocacy service for the LGBT community. Bev Higgins writes about her new role as LGBT ISVA.
I became an ISVA to help survivors to have their say, and get the help and support to overcome the impact of sexual abuse, and not face prejudice or mistreatment. As a member of the LGBT community myself and as a professional, I have a wealth of knowledge and experience of the impact and trauma of any sexual abuse on LGBT people. I am passionate about developing and providing this much needed service.
WHAT IS AN LGBT ISVA?
If you are lesbian, gay, bi, trans* and have ever experienced rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse at any point in your life the Rape and Sexual Violence Project (RSVP) now can offer you our specialist LGBT ISVA services within the Birmingham LGBT community. (*Including but not exclusive list- non binary, non cis, gender queer, MSM, androgynous, intersex, pansexual…)
An ISVA will offer a caring and professional service providing practical advice and emotional support to those who have been directly impacted by rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse. The abuse could be recent, in the past or ongoing.
Rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse are experienced by a significant percentage of the population and are prevalent in the LGBT community too. Sexual abuse of any nature is a very hidden problem and can be an extremely difficult issue to talk about. The LGBT community often are overlooked or misunderstood and can face prejudice and extra fears around speaking to professionals and organisations when seeking help and support. Rape and abuse against LGBT people can occur in relationships, they can occur as homophobic hate-crimes, childhood sexual abuse and as sexual harassment. Research suggests that the LGBT community experiences disproportionate level of sexual violence.
Support is available; we are here to offer you an advocacy service delivered with compassion, professionalism and humanity. We want to make a difference to you and help overcome the barriers that prevent sexual abuse survivors who identify as LGBT from getting the help and support they need.
Our service is free and is inclusive of all sexuality and gender identities. Everyone is treated fairly, equally and with value and respect. We embrace diversity, promoting equality and human rights for all. We are passionate about helping survivors to thrive and are a user lead service. We are here for you, and so will tailor the support to your individual needs. We understand you may feel nervous getting in touch and it takes a lot of courage to take that step. We will support you every step of the way.
How can we help?
• Talking you through your options
• Ensuring you can access the services and support you need
• Offering emotional and practical support
• Enabling you to report to the police if you decide to
* Exploring other ways you can pass on information about the trauma you have experienced (e.g. anonymously through the Sexual Assault Referral Centre – SARC)
• Ensuring your wellbeing, by chaperoning you on health appointments, including sexual health screenings
What is sexual violence?
The term sexual violence is used as a broad term for all forms of rape and sexual abuse. Rape and sexual abuse might involve physical violence, coercion, threats and control.
Often rape and sexual abuse is committed by people you know, such as partners, friends, family, acquaintances, and people in positions of trust. You may feel love for the person who has abused/is abusing you. You may be befriended and offered things in return for sexual acts, you could have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol to such an extent you couldn’t consent. You may feel coerced or pressured into doing sexual things you don’t want to. You may be pressured/ forced into sexual acts with other people.
Being groomed?
Abusers can seem very charming and well liked, they will gain your trust and those around you. You may think people won’t believe you, we will. You may be terrified and living in fear, we can help.
If you are being forced, pressured or coerced into sexual activities, you can contact us. You don’t have to suffer in silence or cope alone – we’re here for you.
To contact the LGBT ISVA service speak to Bev via:
Tel: 0121 643 0301 option 2
Mob: 07535 172 052
Email: isva@rsvporg.co.uk
Administrative Assistant vacancy
We are recruiting a part-time administrative assistant to support us at RSVP to deliver professional, sensitive and compassionate services to survivors of sexual violence.
Administrative Assistant
16 hours per week
Wednesday 9-5
and
Tuesday or Thursday 9-5
£15,941 (pro rata)
Your role will be to provide general administration support, reception duties with some marketing duties. You will work closely with the Administrator, Head of Counselling and Wellbeing Services and Head of Business Development.
Download the job description
Download the person specification
Download the application form
Deadline for applications is 5pm, Thursday 16th June. Please email applications to info@rsvporg.co.uk
Please contact Anjella or Sarah with any queries info@rsvporg.uk / 0121 643 0301
ASC (Abuse Survivors Clinic)
We recently appointed a number of new ISVAs to grow our advocacy service, here is a guest blog post from one of our news ISVAs, Natalie Harris about our work at the Abuse Survivors Clinic.
Hi, my name is Natalie and I am a ‘newbie’ ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advocate) here at RSVP. Having previously worked in the field of addiction, supporting and empowering people is what I enjoy most, which reinforces that my day to day role is more than just a job.
The role of ISVA is so broad and varied that it is not the easiest to define. In a nutshell, we support and advocate for clients/service users that are survivors of sexual violence. This entails support throughout the legal process, identifying, signposting and/or supporting practically with unmet needs and providing emotional support.
I see my role as walking by the side of the client and supporting with each step they take on their journey.
ASC
In order to continue to strive towards the delivery of a seamless service for our clients, we have recently embarked upon a fresh working partnership with Umbrella sexual health services. One of the latest projects is the ASC (Abuse Survivors Clinic) clinic. This clinic operates 2-3 times per month on a Wednesday at Whittall Street Clinic, Whittall Street, Birmingham, B4 6DH and is available for survivors of abuse, providing specialised, sensitive support around sexual health screenings. In addition, clients have the opportunity to explore support options available with an ISVA from RSVP who will be present at every ASC.
The schedule for this clinic is as follows:
8th June 2016
22nd June 2016
6th July 2016
20th July 2016
3rd August 2016
17th August 2016
31st August 2016
14th September 2016
28th September 2016
12th October 2016
26th October 2016
9th November 2016
23rd November 2016
7th December 2016
To access the clinic please contact: 0121 237 5700
Settling in as a new ISVA
We recently appointed a number of new ISVAs to grow our advocacy service, here is a guest blog post from one of our news ISVAs, Lisa Holden.
Hi and welcome. I’m Lisa a new independent sexual violence advocate (ISVA) here. I wanted to write a post offering a glimpse into how I’ve settled in to my first month on the job.
As an advocate I provide emotional and practical support to survivors of sexual violence, offering them a voice and ensuring their wishes, opinions and needs are listened to and heard. This includes informing and supporting clients through their options regarding police reporting, aiding survivors through legal and court proceedings and procedures (ensuring any special measures are requested and provided), and offering support to clients who wish to access other service providers, such as organising GUM appointments and attending with the client for moral support.
Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to discuss the magnificence of the RSVP team. From ISVAs, managers, counsellors and administration staff, I have never found a more welcoming, caring, passionate and inspiring workforce. I not only consider myself immensely lucky to be part of such a supportive team, but I feel honoured to be working for an extremely worthy cause.
Consequently, settling in within the tremendously fast paced ISVA office has been an easy and relaxed journey for me. Each staff member has been attentive in helping me learn both the technical and emotional aspects of my role, ensuring that I have a safe and comfortable environment to ask questions. The team always makes sure I am on the right track and regularly ask ‘how are you?’ and ‘how are you getting on?’ which has really made me feel at home.
There are so many aspects of my job that I can already say I LOVE. The role is so varied and every day is different. One day I could be undertaking initial assessments with clients and discussing reporting procedures or undertaking an anonymous report with the police, the next I could be attending an ABE interview with a client, or going to a GUM appointment with a client. The fact that I am responsible for my own caseload and organise my own appointments allows me to feel a sense of freedom and autonomy I haven’t felt before and this has had a massive positive effect on me.
The organisation are also really focused on making every member of the team an expert in the field and encourage us to undertake any relevant training opportunities. I am excited about undertaking the ISVA specialist Lime Culture accredited training, and I’m extremely enthusiastic about becoming a young person’s mental health first aider. I have also attended training on FGM and alcohol and drug abuse.
But what I love most is my pastoral duties. Supporting and empowering clients by ensuring that they have all the right information and tools to make their own decisions is extremely rewarding. Providing clients with a safe space to explore their options and needs, as well as providing a platform for them to be heard enables them to gain back a sense of control at a time that seems completely out of control. Being the person that supports them to do that is an incredible honour.
Learn more about the ISVA service here. You can contact us for more information or to make a referral here.