SAIL

SAIL offers counselling for anyone over 18 residing in Derbyshire affected by sexual abuse, sexual assault or incest at any time. SAIL provides free and confidential, specialist trauma informed counselling, for 26 weeks initially, face to face in Chesterfield, also at our Hubs in Belper, Long Eaton and Matlock.

We have Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service (ISVA) for anyone who is seeking practical and emotional support when accessing other services or agencies. This service can also support with reporting to police, through the criminal justice system to court and CICA system.

We provide emotional support and information through our helpline by free phone, email and text. We offer Art Therapy and Drama Therapy, using a blend of talking and creative art making and several types of creative and performing arts to facilitate emotional release, exploration, and healing. We offer peer support groups and group therapy.

How does your organisation contribute to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it?

SAIL can provide a specialist trauma informed counselling service to anyone over 18 who resides in the Derbyshire area, who has been affected by or experienced incest, sexual abuse or sexual violence at any time in their lives. Feelings of depression, low self-esteem, guilt, eating or sleeping disturbances and difficulty trusting people, especially partners, are just some of the ways in which abuse can have a lasting impact on mental wellbeing. We know that each individual has their own story to tell. Regardless of how much time has passed since the abuse ended, the physical and emotional distress and fear can still be a very real and intense part of everyday life. It can be extremely hard to admit you have been abused and even more difficult to ask for help. Sail Offer a helpline services. The SAIL helpline is available to offer support, information and advice.

What are your current priorities?

Talking about your life and feelings can be very frightening, but it can help to break down feelings of isolation, enable you to make sense of the past, and resolve difficult feelings such as anger or guilt. It can help you to find your own solutions, manage or even overcome your pain.

Individual counselling is available for up to 6 months on a weekly basis; this can be extended if you and your counsellor feel it would be helpful. Counsellors work in different ways, but all seek to provide the safety and support you need.

What challenges are you currently facing?

SAIL is a charity so is subject to funding.