TRC launches counselling service

Following a successful pilot in 2018, Trafford Rape Crisis is now offering free specialist face-to-face counselling as part of its service offering.

As part of our commitment to supporting women and girls impacted by rape and sexual violence, Trafford Rape Crisis is continually evaluating how to best meet the needs of our users. Our current service offering includes our helpline and email services, alongside specialist BME support for women in the Trafford area.

Following an initial pilot trialled in 2018, we are pleased to announce the launch of our new face-to-face counselling service, delivered by specialist trauma counsellors to support women and girls who have experienced sexual violence or abuse at any stage of their lives.

“The effects of rape or sexual violence can be far-reaching and continue to impact survivors long after the fact,” explains TRC Face-to-Face Services Co-Ordinator, Rhea. 

“We want to ensure women feel supported to maintain control over their lives and manage the complex range of thoughts and feelings that can result from experiencing any form of sexual abuse. Our counselling service is designed to give women the opportunity to talk through and process their experiences in a safe environment, guided by specially trained counsellors. This is a hugely important addition to our service offering and we hope will prove helpful for those women we’re able to support.” 

The Trafford Rape Crisis Counselling Service will be delivered to Rape Crisis National Service Standards, meaning services will be specialist, confidential, free and independent. Women living, working or registered with a GP in the Trafford area are eligible to be considered for counselling. In line with TRC’s ethos and operating principles, this is a woman-centred service offered by women, in a women-only safe space.

“Counselling can be a hugely empowering experience, but it’s not necessarily for everyone,” says Rhea. 

“It can involve remembering, talking about and feeling memories that some women find difficult or upsetting. To ensure we’re giving women the right sort of support, we carefully assess before going ahead with counselling. Our counsellors will also regularly review with the women they’re supporting to ensure counselling is continuing to meet their needs.” 

If you feel counselling may be a beneficial option for you, you can fill in our self-referral form here. A member of our team will be in touch within two weeks.