A LIFELINE service for rape survivors is to re-open to new cases after the Scottish Government saved it from closure.
Staff at Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis (GRCC) had already told women and girls they would no longer accept new people on to the waiting list for face-to-face help as a consequence of a funding loss.
Manager Isabelle Kerr said they could not cope after BBC Children in Need declined to renew a three-year grant, claiming she had been told this was because the female-only service does not “do enough for males”. However, BBC Children in Need denied this was the reason.
Yesterday Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said the Scottish Government would provide the £35,000 needed.
READ MORE: Scottish rape charity in funding crisis for not doing 'enough for men'
McKelvie, pictured, who represents Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, said: “We will continue to engage with Rape Crisis Scotland to assess this situation and to take a long-term approach so that local rape crisis centres can continue to provide vital services not just in Glasgow, but across the country.”
Meanwhile, as that statement was made, Forth Valley Rape Crisis Centre (FVRCC) revealed it too had to limit services, capping the waiting list for those in the Falkirk area.
Managers said the three-month pause was because they are “still trying to reach a funding agreement with Falkirk Council”, despite “overwhelming and increasing demand” from the public.
However, work with those already receiving support will continue.
The team said: “We are extremely saddened by this outcome and are continuing to discuss our funding position with Falkirk Council.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said it urges the local authority to engage with FVRCC in a bid to resolve the funding issue.
Meanwhile, Kerr said she was “overwhelmed by the quick response” from the Scottish Government, along with the “amazing generosity” of supporters.
An online appeal drew a rush of donations overnight, reaching around £10,600 by yesterday afternoon. That will be topped by an additional £2200 in gift aid.
Thanking all who had helped, Kerr said: “The support we have had today has been phenomenal.
“Tomorrow we begin the work of getting those support services back on track and the waiting lists reduced.”
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