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Sexual Violence Charity New Pathways Adapting Vital Services Thanks to Barclays Donation

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New Pathways is one of 100 UK charities to be awarded a £100k donation from Barclays which will help them to continue supporting people of all ages who have experienced recent or historical sexual violence and abuse.

Charities were invited to apply for one of 100 donations of £100,000, and Barclays were inundated by hundreds of applications from charities across the UK who are working hard to deliver on-the-ground support to vulnerable communities impacted by the crisis.

Barclays launched their 100×100 UK COVID-19 Community Relief Programme to support COVID-19 relief work in local communities. The programme, which forms part of their wider COVID-19 Community Aid Package, focuses on supporting UK charity partners who are meeting the immediate needs of people in our communities, including low income families, those facing financial hardship, isolated elderly people and key workers.

New Pathways supports recent and historical victims of rape and sexual abuse throughout their journeys of recovery. They operate six of the eight Sexual Assault Referral Centres in Wales, where recent victims of rape or sexual violence receive immediate help, including the option of a forensic medical examination, the chance to speak to police, and support from a Crisis Worker. They provide advocacy services to support clients navigating the criminal justice system. They also provide individual and group counselling, using a range of methodologies. Their extensive training program is delivered to individuals and organisations throughout the UK on topics such as trauma, suicide prevention, stress, mental health, as well as sexual violence and abuse. Due to the pandemic, face-to-face activities had to be stopped or severely limited meaning vital support for those struggling was under threat.

Many of New Pathways’ activities are now being delivered via online sessions and those that must be delivered in person have been adapted according to national guidelines. Throughout the crisis, the charity has delivered services to over 2,000 clients each week. Barclays’ donation will ensure that they can continue to offer crucial support online and meet the ongoing needs of people who have experienced sexual violence.

Labour Senedd Member and anti-violence campaigner, Joyce Watson welcomed the funding, saying:

“I am delighted Barclays is backing New Pathways. The vital, highly-specialised services they provide are a lifeline to those affected by rape and sexual abuse.

“Throughout the pandemic, in the most challenging of circumstances, New pathways continued to support victims. Now, with this new money, they can help even more people in more ways.”

Jackie Stamp, CEO, New Pathways says:

“Prior to COVID-19, we delivered most of our services in person and having to quickly adapt to online models presented a huge challenge. We’re proud that we were able to meet that challenge and continue to innovate and improve. It has also affirmed our strategy to create an even better, more inclusive charity supporting even more people who have experienced sexual violence.  Our priority is to develop our digital delivery program to run alongside our traditional face to face deliveries, ensuring that our current and future clients are able to benefit from our services. The Barclays donation is providing us with a lifeline that will make it possible for us to continue to be there for people at a time when they need us more than ever before.”

Nigel Higgins, Barclays Chairman, said:

“COVID-19 has created an unprecedented social and economic impact in the UK, with many experiencing greater hardship due to the crisis. Incredible charities, such as New Pathways have been playing a vital role in the UK’s response to the pandemic, ensuring urgent help reaches those most in need of support. As a bank we have been doing all we can for our customers, clients and colleagues, and we hope that by partnering with New Pathways and many other charities across the UK, collectively we can ensure that as many people as possible in the communities in which we live and work are supported through this crisis.”

To find out more about New Pathways and to donate, please visit www.newpathways.org.uk

Business News Wales