SURVIVORS MANCHESTER was set up to support male survivors of sexual abuse and rape in Manchester, regardless of when or where the abuse took place. In this section, we'd like to show you what support we can offer you.

We are still in the early stages of setting up the organisation but rest assured, we now have a dedicated board of trustees that are 100% committed to ensuring 'survivors manchester' begins as it means to go on... solid, strong, and honest.

With this in mind, we are unable to offer all of the services that we are planning, at this present moment. However, below you will find a list of services with details of what's on offer and how you can use them. We have clearly stated those services not on offer at present but have offered alternative ideas.

Sometimes just telling another how you feel can be a huge step towards healing. However, many people don't know who to turn to or feel that they will be judged if they tell people what's really going on for them. Survivors Manchester has set up an Email Support Service where you can email us at esupport@survivorsmanchester.org.uk and maybe begin a discussion, get some advice, ask a question or just have us read your words. If you don't want us to email you back then all you need to do is say. You are in control of this contact and we will respond in whatever way you want us to.

The 'Virtual' Safe Room allows you to speak to other survivors in a safe and facilitated virtual space. Meeting other Survivors can be one of the most empowering moments in the healing journey, but it can also be extremely scary. Some people prefer to talk online first before meeting face to face, that way they can ease themselves into a situation they may view as unsafe. The facilitator, a survivor himself, is there to ensure that the space is as safe as possible for people to talk freely, ask questions and realise that they are no longer alone. The 'Virtual' Safe Room will open on selected evenings and will only be able to be access by obtaining the correct email address to log onto MSN. Anyone wishing to come along, or find out more please contact tvsr@survivorsmanchester.org.uk.

THIS SERVICE IS CURRENTLY IN PLANNING STAGES.

However, if you are interested in joining a weekly survivors support group, please contact us for more details at thesaferoom@survivorsmanchester.org.uk. We hope to have this survivor-facilitated group up and running soon.

THIS SERVICE IS CURRENTLY IN PLANNING STAGES.

We are at present looking for funding to set up a helpline that will allow you to talk to us at dedicated times. In the meantime, we would like to highlight some other national helplines that are currently in operation:

SURVIVORS SWINDON

SURVIVORS UK

We want to be able to engage with you in a variety of ways, whichever you feel most comfortable with. So in order to do this we can now be found on Facebook and Myspace.

Joining our facebook site allows you to simply see that you're not alone. Social Networking Sites can be really useful in connecting with others from the safety of your own home. We have set the permissions that only allows people who have been accepted as 'friends' can view the page and only members can view other people on the page. None of your friends on your facebook page will be able to view the members of our page.

We now have a Myspace site so there is another way you can connect with us in order to not feel isolated, not feel like your on your own and see that there are other men out there that have some idea of what your going through. Experience is unique to each and every one of us, but don't forget that we can also share the legacy of abuse. Connect, don't isolate... break the silence and know your not alone.

Staying safe is important, especially online... maybe you don't want anyone to know you are looking for information, support organisations or reading pages from websites that make you feel like you are not alone.

To help you with staying safe, we have provided a step-by-step guide to covering your tracks on the internet. Please note: this may not completely hide your tracks as many browsers have features that display recently visited sites. The safest way to find information on the internet, would be at a local library, a cyber cafe or at a friends that knows what your going through.

CLEARING HISTORY/CACHE
 

Internet Explorer 6
Click on the Tools menu and select Internet Options... On the General page, under Temporary Internet Files, click on Delete Cookies and then OK. Click on Delete Files, put a tick in the box labeled Delete all offline content and click OK. Under History, click on Clear History and then OK. Now look at the top of the window and click on the Content tab, select AutoComplete and finally, Clear Forms.

Internet Explorer 7
Click on the Tools menu and select Internet Options. In the General page under Browser History, select the Delete... button. Either select and Delete each section: Temporary internet files; Cookies, History; Forms data and Passwords; or select the Delete all... button at the bottom to clear everything.

Firefox 1 (NOT /Netscape)
Click on Tools and then Options, then click on Privacy. Click on the Clear button next to History; Saved Form Information; Cookies and Cache.

Firefox 2
Click on Tools and then Options, then click on Privacy. At private data select settings, ensure that all boxes have been selected and then click on Clear Now.

If you are using Internet Explorer, this box can be found on the MS Internet Explorer Page by clicking on the "View" icon at the top, then "Internet Options", and then the "Advanced" tab. About halfway down there is a "Use Autocomplete" box that can be checked and unchecked by clicking on it.

You can find more information on staying safe online at Computer Hope or Mpvs

Women's Aid also have a fantastic 'Staying Safe' section on their site which can be accessed by clicking here