Hazel - Secretary & Administrator

The idea of setting up a self-help group for women survivors of childhood sex abuse came as a result of the experiences of a close friend and her family and i was joined by Liz who wished to be involved from the beginning. We researched other agencies to find if there was already provision of this kind for Survivors in Norwich and received only encouragement to begin this much needed facility, there being only one other group in Kings Lynn  and through out Norfolk. Beginning in November 06  we now have two groups,  in the afternoon and  in the evening, each held once a month in the centre of Norwich.

Our income is derived from grants from charitable bodies, donations and our own efforts. This enables us to invite speakers and therapists from time to time, but always our meetings are informal and friendly gatherings of women supporting each other.

                                                                                           
We began this year with a social evening of bowling and a meal together for those who wished and were able to come.

I am the Secretary and Administrator for the groups, members of Surviving Together come to us through either our advertising in the press ( see related article in press and news ), leaflets, referrals or by our website but we can be contacted by telephone on 07796296922, by e-mail : help@survivingtogether.org.uk.

Liz - Group Facilitator

Over the years, two or three of my woman friends have confided in me that they were sexually assaulted in their childhood, one by an older brother who was supposed to be looking after her and another by her adopted father and then her uncles.
I guessed that the health problems they were experiencing were a direct result of the abuse. Their sad and horrifying stories, which went straight to my heart, made me feel angry and helpless. Then two years ago, Hazel told me she too had had friends with similar stories so together we started to set up this self help group.

Now I am dedicated to helping each and everyone who joins us. We have talks, workshops and outings to improve self-esteem and quality of life-anything which can make the members feel better about themselves and, most of all, to find within the group caring and supportive friends.

Caroline - Meeting chairman, Publicity & Group Facilitator

I heard about “SURVIVNG TOGETHER” from Hazel and Liz, initiators of the group. I am not a survivor, but I want  to be of help to those who are.

My involvement has increased from being a facilitator in the daytime group ( held on the first Tuesday of the month-1:30-3:30pm. ) to giving publicity talks  and chairing committee meetings. Like the other staff members, I have received a certain amount of training from Victim Support, but I am not a qualified counsellor. Through reading, training and group participation I have learnt a lot about what it means to be a survivor and what effects of childhood sexual abuse are. I greatly admire the courage of those who have taken the step of contacting us and becoming part of the group.
It is extremely heartening to see how members are growing in confidence and self-esteem and at the same time being able to share stories and support and encourage each other.

In the Tuesday group I am basically a welcomer, teamaker and listener. We try to have an appropriate discussion theme or activity at each group session. Sometimes we have  a speaker, or introductions to alternative therapies, we have also run some workshops on a Saturday which include both daytime and evening group members.

Strict confidentiality is key, and we provide a membership pack which contains guidelines on this and other aspects of group membership, plus some helpful handouts.

As publicity person I have place our leaflets in many libraries, GP surgeries and support agencies. The Local Residents” Handbooks also have a piece about us. The local press showed initial interest, but maybe  they need an update.

I recently gave a talk with Rachel to the Broadland area link nurses and we are waiting to give a few more in and around Norwich.

Rachel - Survivor, Group Facilitator, Publicity

I facilitate the evening group with Paula, being survivors ourselves we can relate to the groups needs. We try and discuss a wide range of topics that we feel affect us survivors, its great to hear different views and this can help us all feel that we are not weird or abnormal. Everyones experiences are different and however small or great they are equally important.

I love helping fellow survivors along their healing path, it gives me such a warm, great feeling just to see them gradually feel better about themselves, feel more confident and make some kind of headway with their lives.

I have attended several workshops and training courses to help me understand myself and other survivors so I can give the right support in the best way possible.

Susan - Fundraiser

I am the Fund Raiser for Surviving Together, I source funding and fill in the necessary application forms.  I came to the group after talking to Hazel one day.  She is a friend of very long standing and when she told me about the group I thought maybe I could do something to help.