I live in East Lothian so there has been a bit of confusion why I am raising the funds for an Edinburgh centre. ERCC, provides the specialised support service for survivors to access across the Lothians. The police and doctors will signpost victims here in East Lothian and provide important literature created by research and input of many survivors through the centre. The service helps victims here in my home town to understand some of the psychological affects they are experiencing as normal and the reaction of close friends and relatives and give a safe sounding board away from the police and damaged relationships due to the shock of the abuse. I know of many who have had counsellors come out to East Lothian and the waiting lists have increased due to an increase of 11% of people needing support and the funds not being sufficient to supporting enough staff means there are lengthy waiting lists for one to one sessions. The time it takes to have 1 to 1 support is however quicker than NHS services(up to a year) and the Rape Scotland phone line ERCC helps to support has specially trained and often survivors with their own stories daily to help victims at crisis point when they need it including children and young people.

ERCC outreach services for Mid and East Lothian are as follows:

East Lothian Sexual Abuse Service (ELSAS)

ELSAS offers support in East Lothian to women and all members of the transgender community who are currently experiencing or have experienced sexual violence. We are based in East Lothian and can offer face-to-face support in Musselburgh and Haddington. We can also offer home visits or arrange appointments in other locations such as Dunbar.

When you contact ELSAS, we will offer you a face-to-face session with a support worker if you want this. You can use this time in any way you choose, and we can talk through what support we can offer, including long-term and advocacy support.

You can contact ELSAS on 07800 604 164 or email: elsas@ercc.scot

midLothian Sexual Abuse Service (mSAS)

MSAS offers support in Midlothian to women and all members of the transgender community who are currently experiencing or have experienced sexual violence. We offer appointments in Penicuik, Mayfield and Dalkeith. Appointments are available on Monday during the daytime and Tuesday evening.

When you contact MSAS, we will offer you a face-to-face session with a support worker if you want this. You can use this time in any way you choose, and we can talk through what support we can offer, including long-term and advocacy support.

You can contact MSAS on 07860 774 503 or email: msas@ercc.scot

You can also support our work by:

• Believing someone who discloses sexual violence to you

• Supporting them to make their own choices about what they want to do

• Challenging abusive behaviour or views which promote violence

http://www.ercc.scot/support/east-lothian-sexual-abuse-service-elsas/