THE Chester Sexual Abuse Support Service (CSASS) is delighted to have been awarded a total of £90,000 over the next three years from the Ministry of Justice.

The funding boost will help support the service in continuing to provide counselling and other services to survivors of sexual violence and

abuse in the area.

Forty-three Rape Crisis England & Wales (RCEW) member Centres, of which CSASS is one, have been awarded funding.

Formerly known as the Rape Support Fund, this grant will make a contribute to core costs and provide some much-needed stability for the organisation over the next three years.

CSASS centre manager Alison Breadon said: “We are so delighted to have received this money from the Ministry of Justice. It shows great faith in the quality of the services delivered and the difference we are making to the lives of survivors.”

The money will go towards a range of services, such as face-to-face counselling, group work, a telephone support line, and help to support any adult who has experienced any form of rape, sexual abuse or sexual violence at any time in their lives.

The service also supports families, friends, partners, and professionals affected by sexual abuse.

CSASS is committed to providing a safe, supportive space in which individuals feel welcomed and enabled to participate in whatever way feels most appropriate to them.

The anonymous support line is open every Monday and Wednesday from 6pm-8pm, on 0808 284 0484.

To arrange counselling, or for more information, call the office during office hours on 01244 307 499 or visit www.csass.org.uk.