A charity based in Stoke-on-Trent providing free counselling and support to those affected by sexual violence and abuse has announced it will be closing due to a lack of funding. 

Savana has been operating since 1986 and received over 1,400 referrals to its service in 2022/23 alone but now all services will end on 30 April 2025. 

The charity is also an affiliated rape crisis centre, offering support to people in the city and across Staffordshire. 

A statement posted on the charity's website said: "​​It is with immense sadness that we announce the closure of Savana after over 38 years of dedicated service to survivors of sexual violence from across Staffordshire. 

"Despite tireless efforts to secure the funding needed to continue our vital work, we have been unable to do so, leaving us no choice but to close our doors. All services will cease from 30th April 2025."

Savana also highlighted the important work of its staff and volunteers as well as the courage of those who have used the service. 

The statement added: "We also want to recognise the extraordinary dedication of our staff and volunteers, past and present. Their unwavering commitment, compassion, and resilience have made a profound difference in the lives of so many.

"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.

"This is a devastating loss for our community."

In November last year the CEO of Savana, Sophia Baker, said the charity was facing a funding gap due to increased staffing costs, reduced income, and increased demand.

Charities have not been exempted from the employers' national insurance increase announced in the last autumn budget, and in December the Ministry of Justice informed police and crime commissioners across England and Wales that the core grant for victims' services would fall by 4.2% in April.

The separate Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund also received no funding increase to account for inflation and will remain at £21 million nationally for 2025/26.

For support, survivors in the city are advised to contact Staffordshire Survive via 0300 330 5959 or the National Rape Crisis 24hr Helpline on 0808 500 2222. 

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