A CHARITY supporting survivors of rape and sexual abuse will receive the royal stamp of approval with a visit from HRH The Duchess of Gloucester tomorrow (Tuesday, July 25).

West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC), who have provided support to survivors for more than 30 years, will be visited by the Queen's first cousin.

The centre recently moved to new and bigger premises in Worcester and has opened their services to parents and children as young as five.

Chief executive officer Jocelyn Anderson said: "This year we have been focusing on ensuring our services are aligned to what survivors tell us they want and need.

"This has included relocating to an office with facilities specially set up to work with our youngest children.

"We are keen to share this with the Duchess when she comes to our new premises."

She added: "Our vision is to provide survivors of sexual violence with the support they need, when they need it for as long as they need it.

"As you can imagine, funding this objective is an ongoing challenge with our counselling service receiving no dedicated funding from health or local authority budgets.

"We are privileged to have the support of some 50 plus volunteers who give their time and skills for free as well as a hard-working dedicated staff team.

"It is a fantastic organisation that I am proud to be a part of."

The specialist charity has supported more than 2,000 survivors in the last year alone, as well as delivering a number of preventative educational programmes in schools alongside training and awareness raising sessions and a helpline service.

The non-profit organisation are keen to hear from people who want to work on their helpline or can offer business skills support such as administration, finance, marketing, fundraising or public relations expertise.

To volunteer or raise funds for call 01905 611655 or email office@wmrsasc.org.uk for more information.

Anyone affected by sexual violence can contact the helpline on 01905 724514 (Worcestershire) or 01432 344777 (Herefordshire), Mon and Thurs 7.30pm - 9.30pm, Tues 1pm – 5pm and Fri 10am – 2pm.

At all other times please leave a message on the 24hr answerphone.

For further information about WMRSASC contact the Worcester Office on 01905 611655 or visit wmrsasc.org.uk.