The chief executive of a North Staffordshire sexual violence charity, which is set to close its doors after almost 40 years, has urged the business community to support local organisations to prevent further closures.
Hanley-based Savana, which has been operating for more than 38 years, will cease all services from April 30 as it has been unable to secure the ongoing funding it requires. The charity delivers a range of counselling services and specialist support from Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), as well as education and training packages.
Chief Executive Sophia Baker, who joined Savana in 2023, told Daily Focus that the charity sector is ‘in crisis’.
She said: “I want to appeal to the local business community to recognise the importance of supporting local organisations. Society only works if we all work together, and charities can’t do it on our own.
“The charity sector is in crisis. Organisations like Savana work tirelessly to plug huge service gaps on a shoestring while facing increased demand, spiralling costs and funding cuts. It isn’t sustainable and other essential local organisations will close in this climate.”
Savana stopped accepting referrals for new counselling work last month due to the funding crisis, although existing services were unaffected at that time.
According to the latest annual return, the charity has 20 employees, 17 zero-hour contract counsellors and a further 14 volunteers or students on placement.
A statement announcing the charity’s closure said: “This is a devastating loss for our community. For nearly four decades, we have stood alongside survivors, offering support, advocacy and a safe space to heal.
“To every person who has trusted us with their experiences, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your courage has been, and will always be, at the core of everything we stand for.”
The statement went on to praise the ‘extraordinary dedication’ of its staff and volunteers over the years and urged policymakers and funders to act to ensure that ‘no survivor is left without help’.
It continued: “This is not the ending we ever wanted, and our hearts are heavy with the weight of this loss.”
Savana has advised anyone affected by sexual violence and in need of support to contact Staffordshire Survive on 0300 330 5959 or the National Rape Crisis 24hr Helpline on 0808 500 2222.
