'The legacy will continue' - Chester sexual abuse service closes after 30 years
The legacy of Chester Sexual Abuse Support Service (CSASS) will continue as the charity closes its doors after 30 years in the city.
Identifying and challenging the causes of sexual violence, the team also provide outreach work to support clients who are working through the long-term impacts of abuse.
Their services terminate today (January 31) and the charity will officially close in March 2025.
Chester Nub News spoke to Dr Dawn Llewellyn, chair of the board at CSASS, to understand the reasons and implications behind the shock move.
Citing hostile economic conditions, she said: "It's something that is affecting an awful lot of small charities.
"It's just becoming more competitive and more and more difficult to secure funding for the long-term."
CSASS recognised financial security was essential to providing a responsible and safe service for their clients.
Following formal consultation in December, the board realised that it was no longer sustainable to remain open.
Dawn added: "I think the hardest part is that we've built this professional team with so much experience, knowledge and capacity to help clients work through their trauma.
"Knowing that's coming to an end is really difficult.
"All staff have been so worried about what will happen to their clients.
"We're really lucky there are other organisations like Tomorrow's Women, RASASC. We're working with them to pass those clients on so they're looked after.
"It's really illustrative of the issues that small charities dealing with this really potent phenomena of sexual violence, that is rife in our society, it's really sad that there's another service closing its doors."
The local charity predominantly offers counselling, outreach work and support, with their viability ensured by making applications to funding bodies.
Reflecting on the state of sexual violence support, and the demand for it in Chester and surrounding areas, Dawn highlighted the provision gap.
She said: "What's sad is that it's not like there isn't a need for this sort of service; there absolutely is a need.
"I think everyone in the team has been really careful to think about the legacy of CSAS. I think the legacy of what the charity has done will continue.
"There are survivors who are working towards healing and our counsellors have made a huge difference to many individuals, helping them through some of the most traumatic experiences.
"That's a really important legacy to hold, for us to sort of hold on to."
In response to the announcement, Samantha Dixon, MP for Chester North and Neston, said: "My deepest thanks to you and everyone involved for the invaluable work you have done over nearly 30 years.
"Your dedication to supporting survivors of sexual abuse has left a profound and lasting legacy in our community.
"Your work is a testament to your unwavering commitment to empowering survivors and raising awareness about such an important issue.
"The compassion, professionalism, and advocacy of your staff and volunteers have made an immeasurable impact, touching countless lives with hope and healing.
"Please know that your dedication will never be forgotten and your legacy will resonate far beyond the duration of your services.
In a statement published on the website, Dawn Llewellyn said: "We are pleased to recommend Tomorrow's Women and Chester Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside as other local charities who serve well in the sector.
"We are incredibly grateful to all of the survivors of abuse who have entrusted us with support over the years, to our staff and volunteers, funders and supporters, without whom the CSASS journey would not have been possible."
New chester Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: chester jobs
Share: