We’re incredibly proud to share that Hope After Harm has received funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to grow our Diverse Communities Outreach Service.
This generous support means we can now do even more to help survivors of sexual abuse across our region
Sexual violence affects people from all walks of life. Whether the abuse happened recently or many years ago, it can leave a lasting impact. Our goal is to make sure no one has to face that pain alone. With this funding, we’ll be able to reach more people, in more places, with the right kind of support for them.
What Our Outreach Team Does
Our Diverse Communities Outreach Service is about taking support into communities—not waiting for survivors to come to us. We know that accessing help can be hard for so many reasons: fear, stigma, language barriers, past experiences, or simply not knowing where to start.
That’s why our Diverse Communities Outreach ISVAs go out to:
- Drop-in sessions and community centres
- Cultural events, libraries, and local gatherings
- Workshops for partner organisations and frontline workers
- Informal spaces where people already feel safe
We listen, we offer support, and we help people take the next step—at their own pace. This is all done with empathy, confidentiality, and without pressure to report anything to the police.
Healing Together Through Groups
Alongside one-to-one support already offered by our Diverse Communities Outreach team, we also offer a range of group activities designed to support healing, connection, and confidence-building.
These group activities include:
- Walk and Talk sessions in nature for those who find comfort in movement and quiet connection
- Crafting groups, where creative activity opens the door to conversation and calm
- Online support spaces, for those who may find it easier or safer to engage from home
- Structured group programmes, where survivors can learn coping strategies, share safely, and support one another through recovery
We’re also working on creating groups specifically for LGBTQ+ survivors, and a dedicated group for men who have experienced sexual violence. While the majority of survivors we work with are women, we’re committed to offering inclusive support to people of all genders and backgrounds. Every survivor deserves to be heard, respected, and supported.
You Don’t Have to Be a Professional to Make a Difference
We believe in the power of community, and we’re always looking for kind, reliable people to get involved with our work. You don’t need to have lived experience to volunteer—but if you do, and feel ready, we would love to hear from you. Your story could help others feel less alone.
Our volunteers help with everything from awareness-raising at events to supporting drop-in groups, walk and talks, and creative workshops. It’s all about showing up with compassion and helping us create safe, welcoming spaces for people who are ready to take the next step in their healing journey.
Let’s Reach More People, Together
If you’re an organisation working in the Thames Valley area—whether that’s in healthcare, housing, education, or community outreach—we’d love to partner with you.
Together, we can make sure survivors know they’re not alone and that support is within reach.
To find out more about our work, or how to get involved, visit:
https://hopeafterharm.org.uk/what-we-offer/victim-services
Thank you to everyone who plays the National Lottery. You are helping us bring hope, healing and community to survivors of sexual violence across Thames Valley.
