Derbyshire’s leading charity, SV2 – Supporting Victims of Sexual Violence Ltd – which supports anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, has been awarded almost £900,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund.
The money will be distributed to the charity over the next five years and will be used to help cover rent, IT support, therapy and behind-the-scenes office administration. This works out to be £180,000 per annum which is 15 per cent of the charity’s annual operating costs.
CEO Rachel Morris explained that the recent funding allocation from The National Lottery had come at a critical time for the charity, which has bases in Ripley and Buxton but operates right across Derbyshire.
She said: “Increase in demand for services means that SV2 is needed more than ever in Derbyshire and this funding certainly gives us some security to continue our valuable work.
“We are obviously extremely grateful for this support from The National Lottery especially when other pots of money are reducing and costs are rising so quickly.
“We rely heavily on funding, and this grant means that we can continue to support the growing number of children, young people and adults who need our help.”
Helen Greig, Chair of Trustees said: “SV2’s essential work would simply not be possible without the long-term support of funders such as The National Lottery Community Fund.
“Funding like this, which allows charities to plan for years instead of months, enables us to ensure that the people who come to us in their darkest time are equipped with the skills and support they need to thrive in the future.”
In the year, between 2024 and 2025, SV2 worked one to one with 4,145 clients – 16 per cent of which were male.
The charity also delivered workshops in schools to equip young people with essential knowledge about consent, healthy relationships and how to access support following sexual violence.
More than 200 training sessions were presented to more than 6,000 professionals including NHS 111 operators, GP surgeries, social care and trainee police officers.
Rachel explained: “Our youngest client is just three years old, and our oldest client is 83. In some of these extreme cases, we work with parents or carers.
“Sexual abuse should not exist, and no one should deal with it alone. As a charity, SV2 is here to support and empower victims, inform the public and protect future generations by raising awareness of sexual abuse and rape.
“We are extremely grateful for the financial support we receive, which is fundamental to our ability to deliver vital services to children, young people and adults across Derbyshire. Without sustained investment, our capacity to provide this essential support would be significantly reduced.”
Catherine Atkinson, Member of Parliament for Derby North, is a supporter of SV2 in Derbyshire. The former Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls said: “Survivors of sexual violence and abuse deserve the chance to heal and rebuild their lives. Rachel and the exceptional team at SV2 help make that possible, providing specialist support with compassion, dignity and care.
“This five-year funding will give them greater security to continue that vital work, while equipping public services to better understand and respond to survivors’ needs.”
Rachel Morris was appointed CEO of SV2 in 2023 and has previously held senior positions in a range of organisations including Derby Diocese, Derby Cathedral and the YMCA. In a voluntary capacity, she is a board member with Derby County Community Trust, a director of Derbyshire County Cricket Club and a Deputy Lieutenant. Rachel also founded Friends of Derby 500 Club – which has raised over £100,000 to help those in need.
