Bellway backs Red Kite: Bishop's Stortford Goodsyard homes builder helps build firm foundation for Stortford-based support service for victims of rape and sexual abuse
Housebuilder Bellway has backed a support service for survivors of sexual assault and abuse based in Bishop's Stortford.
The developer, which is currently building flats at the Goodsyard development next to the town's railway station, donated £500 to Red Kite.
The charity, set up last December by Dr Sue Rayner Jacobs, East Herts district and Bishop's Stortford town Cllr Norma Symonds and Siobhan Nundram, operates across the eastern half of Hertfordshire.
It offers a helpline for survivors of historic or recent rape, sexual abuse and violence. In April it opened a recovery service which includes telephone counselling sessions by qualified therapists.
Siobhan, Red Kite's chairwoman, said: "Our charity runs solely on donations and the help of volunteers, so we're tremendously grateful for Bellway's support, which will make a huge difference. This donation of £500 could fund around 10 professional therapy sessions for survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
"Many people will be shocked to know that the World Health Organisation is calling the increased number of sexual crimes behind closed doors the 'second largest pandemic'. Our job is to be there to help and support survivors of recent or historic abuse through our helpline, as well as offer long-term healing and therapy to enable them to recover from their trauma.
"Besides counselling, we're also aiming to be able to offer our users a variety of alternative psychological therapies, such as art therapy, massage and aromatherapy, as not everyone responds to treatments in the same way.
"We hope to form a long-standing relationship with Bellway and to work together again in the foreseeable future."
Bellway is building 319 apartments at Goodsyard and is set to begin work on 219 new homes at St James' Park on the southern edge of the town.
Greg Allsop, sales and marketing director at Bellway North London, said: "Due to the restrictions on fundraising activities because of the pandemic, the past year must have been an incredibly challenging time in which to start a new charity, but the founders of Red Kite recognised a clear and urgent need for this kind of service.
"We're pleased to be able to make this donation to support the charity and the important work it does, and we look forward to working alongside it in the future as it aims to increase the range of services it provides for victims of sexual assault and abuse in Hertfordshire."
The Red Kite helpline number is 01279 790450. Callers can leave a message when a volunteer is unavailable and will be called back within 24 hours. For more information visit redkitesupport.org.uk.
