Local Community Helps Sexual Assault and Abuse Support Service Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Support Survivors of Sexual Violence
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our local community in response to our Cost-of-Living appeal, we are proud to have awarded a grant to the Sexual Assault and Abuse Support Service Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes (SAASSBMK).
The funding enabled them to sustain their women-only peer support group, Thrive2Gether critical support service, ensuring survivors of sexual violence and abuse had a safe space to convene and connect.
Who are SAASSBMK and what do they do?
SAASSBMK has been providing vital support, advice and counselling to individuals affected by sexual violence since 1995. Their mission is to empower survivors and their loved ones to address the trauma and suffering caused by sexual assault and abuse, including non-recent and childhood experiences.
SAASSBMK offers services to survivors of all genders over the age of sixteen and works with partners to support children over five and those affected by domestic abuse. The organisation operates women-only safe spaces in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, recognising the link between gender inequality and sexual violence.
Committed to a feminist and human rights perspective, SAASSBMK provides free, specialist support in a safe and confidential environment for all survivors, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background. They are dedicated to ensuring that no one faces the aftermath of sexual assault or abuse alone.
What Support Did SAASSBMK Need?
SAASSBMK needed support to sustain their women-only peer support group, Thrive2Gether. With the rising demand for their services, they required funding to cover operational costs such as staff salaries, rent, and resources to continue providing a safe and welcoming environment.
The cost-of-living crisis further complicated the challenges faced by their service users, who were experiencing increased financial hardship and limited access to other support services.
Thrive2Gether needed help to ensure that they could continue to offer a safe space for survivors to reconnect, heal, and receive the ongoing support they need to rebuild their lives.
With help from our Cost-of-Living grant, we’re currently providing supporting to 601 women in Milton Keynes who have experienced sexual violence.
Real Life Impact
The real-life impact of Thrive2Gether is beautifully illustrated by quotes from it's service users:
"Spending time at Thrive with my daughter strengthens our bond and provides a supportive environment where we can grow together."
"Thrive provides a safe space for me to connect with other women, reducing my sense of isolation and allowing me to share experiences without judgment."
"Thrive gives me a reason to engage with a supportive community, where I feel valued and heard, reducing my isolation and encouraging me to embrace life."
What difference did the grant make?
The £2,618 Cost-of-Living grant had a huge impact on Thrive2Gether's ability to support survivors in the community. It enabled the organisation to sustain its services, allowing more survivors to access the help they needed.
With the grant, Thrive2Gether could provide consistent support, reduce isolation, and create a sense of community among participants through regular group meetings and peer support.
The grant also helped alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by the organisation, allowing them to focus on empowering survivors to regain their personal capacity for life, self-worth, and confidence.
This support was crucial in helping Thrive2Gether navigate the increased demand for services due to the cost-of-living crisis and continue making a positive difference in the lives of survivors.
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About the author
MK Community Foundation