40 years of support. Help protect the next 40.

This 16 Days of Activism, we’re inviting our community to write to their MP and speak up for the future of specialist sexual violence support services.

For 40 years, West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) has supported people affected by sexual violence and abuse.

Over those four decades, we have seen the difference that specialist, compassionate and trauma-informed support can make. Having somewhere to turn, someone who listens and access to the right support can be an important part of a person’s recovery.

But services like ours need sustainable funding to continue this work.

Why we’re asking you to speak up

Every year, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence brings people together to raise awareness, challenge violence and advocate for change.

This year, we’re asking our community to help highlight the importance of specialist sexual violence services and the need for long-term investment in their future.

Short-term and uncertain funding can make it difficult for specialist organisations to plan ahead, retain experienced staff and provide consistent support.

We believe that people affected by sexual violence deserve access to specialist services that are properly recognised, valued and supported.

Your voice can make a difference

Whether you’ve accessed our services yourself, supported someone who has, worked alongside us or simply believe in what we do, you can take part.

We’re inviting you to write to your local MP, explaining why specialist sexual violence support matters and asking them to champion sustainable funding.

You don’t need to be an expert, and you don’t need to share any personal experiences.

We’ve prepared a letter template to make it easy.

How to take part

1. Find your local MP

Visit the UK Parliament website and enter your postcode to find your MP and their contact details.

2. Use our letter template

Copy the letter below or download a copy. You can use it exactly as written or adapt it to reflect why these services matter to you.

3. Send your letter

Email or post it to your MP. Include your name and address so they know you live in their constituency.

4. Help spread the word

Share this campaign with friends, family, colleagues and anyone who believes in the importance of specialist support for survivors.

You are always in control of what you share

If you have personal experience of sexual violence or have accessed our services, please know that you are under no obligation to share your story.

You can write simply as someone who values the existence of specialist support.

Your voice matters without having to explain why.

Help protect the next 40 years

As WMRSASC marks its 40th anniversary, we’re proud of the difference our services have made and the people we’ve supported.

We want to ensure that specialist support remains available for those who need it in the years ahead.

This 16 Days of Activism, help us make the case for its future.

Thank you for standing alongside us.

Copy and Paste Option

Alternatively, you can copy and paste your letter, below:

(Insert MP’s name + address at top of page)

Subject: Protecting specialist support for survivors of sexual violence

Dear [MP’s name],

I am writing as one of your constituents to express my support for West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) and to ask you to champion sustainable funding for specialist sexual violence services.

For 40 years, WMRSASC has provided specialist support to people affected by sexual violence and abuse. Services such as counselling, therapeutic support and early intervention can make an enormous difference to survivors and their families.

I believe that everyone affected by sexual violence should be able to access appropriate, specialist, trauma-informed support when they need it, regardless of their financial circumstances.

[Optional: Add a few sentences about why WMRSASC matters to you. You do not need to share any personal experiences or details you would prefer to keep private.]

Specialist services need secure, long-term funding to plan effectively, retain skilled professionals and respond to the needs of their communities. Their future should not depend on short-term funding arrangements or the constant uncertainty of fundraising.

I would be grateful if you could:

• Raise the importance of sustainable funding for specialist sexual violence support services with the relevant Government ministers.
• Support funding arrangements that recognise the value of independent, specialist, trauma-informed provision.
• Let me know what action you are taking to help ensure that services such as WMRSASC remain accessible to people who need them.

During this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, I hope you will recognise the vital contribution of organisations such as WMRSASC and support their continued work.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my concerns. I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]

[Your postcode and address]
[Optional: Email address]