I would like to correct a misleading impression that may have been given by your article “Fund Saves Group Dumped by Council”
(Gazette, August 7).
The article refers to funding received by Heal from the Government Equalities Office special fund.
It contains a quote stating that Heal is the only charity in Essex working with survivors of abuse.
Cara (Centre for Action on Rape & Abuse) has been, along with Sericc in the south of the county, providing one-to-one support to victims of sexual violence for 20 years.
Our services include oneto- one counselling, advocacy, emotional and practical support and liaison for children, young people and adult women.
While correctly stating the Heal was the only agency to receive funding from this source, the article fails to mention that the fund was only available to organisations that would, without it, have to close or substantially reduce their services. As Cara is fortunately not in this position, although it has received funding from this source in the past,wewere not eligible to apply on this occasion.
Lindsey Read
Manager
Cara (Centre for Action
on Rape and Abuse)
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here