Face to Face Support:
At present, due to funds, we are able to only offer a limited amount of face to face contact. We are working hard to build on our success to ensure that the face to face support services increase, with the aim of supporting more men, their families and loved ones.
The Safe Room:
The Safe Room is therapeutically facilitated but peer-led support group for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, meeting at a city centre location every other Tuesday between 7.00pm and 9.00pm. Facilitated by a qualified counsellor, the group offers a safe space for men to improve social skills, learn about themselves and others and increase self-awareness through personal development.
Its worth noting that everyone feels anxious about attending groups, that’s perfectly normal, its fear of the unknown and starting anything new often creates anxiety, but we can honestly say that through our experience, we know this will ease with time.
Each member of the group adheres to a group contract that sets out the rules for the group. Don’t worry, its nothing to heavy, it’s there to ensure that everyone knows their boundaries and what is expected of them. But don’t think that you are expected to talk or reveal things about yourself that you don’t want to, you don’t. But again, experience tells us that the more you put in, the more you’ll get out of the group experience.
The Safe Room is open to adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, from the age of 18 upwards – there is no upper age limit. There is a limit on numbers though, with the group being no more than 12 members at a time. It will be classed as a ‘closed group’ with the doors for new members only being opened every 6 weeks. This is so the group can work together to become a safety unit (imagine how difficult that would be if there were new people coming in on a weekly basis).
In order for us to be able to cover the cost of the room hire, tea and coffee, we ask that each member makes a donation every session, rather than charging a set fee.
If you would be interested in joining the support group, please let us know by registering your interest at thesaferoom@survivorsmanchester.org.uk
N.B. all group members will need to undertake a short 1:1 session with the facilitator prior to being offered a place on any of the groups.
1:1 Counselling:
Counselling is an opportunity to talk to someone who understands the complexity of issues sexual abuse can create. Telling your story and having someone really listen to you can be enormously helpful whilst exploring what has been previously hidden or pushed away. This can allow the past to be put to rest and enable a new future to emerge.
At present, we are only able to offer self-funded counseling. Counselling at Survivors Manchester will normally involve a 50 minute session once a week and will involve a fee based on a sliding scale. This will take into account employment status and current financial status to arrange an affordable fee.
For more information, please contact support@survivorsmanchester.org.uk
All counsellors at Survivors Manchester are qualified and a registered member of the BACP, adhering to the BACP Ethical Framework in Counselling & Psychotherapy. For more information on the BACP visit their site: BACP
Other Counselling Services:
Self Help Services
Self Help Services is a user-led, mental health charity, offering a variety of Counselling services.
LGF F2F Service
The LGF has been providing counselling to the LGBT community of the North West for well over a decade and is still one of the best LGBT
counseling services in the UK.
University Counselling Services
If you are a student, your university or college should offer a counseling service free of charge. Check out your university or college website or ask at your local NUS office.
Victim Support
If you have been the victim of a recent assault, victim support Manchester can offer you support and counseling.
If you feel in crisis, you can:
call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (24hrs)
or in an emergency please dial 999.