Police and Crime Commissioner Colin Sutton boosts funding to support victims and survivors of sexual abuse
Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Colin Sutton, made a visit to the Rowan Project delivered by the Daisy Programme last week. They are a Breckland district based registered charity supporting people who are victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.
During the visit, the team explained to the PCC the work they do within the Rowan Project. This is specialist sexual abuse support that the Daisy Programme manages for people who have been victims of sexual abuse, violence, rape and/or current/non-recent sexual abuse.
Preventing violence, abuse and exploitation is one of Colin Sutton's main priorities for his proposed Police and Crime Plan and this includes delivering specialist victim support services across the county.
“I was very impressed with the Rowan team’s passion and commitment and was delighted to tell them that, not only would I be extending their current Grant Agreement but also grant additional funding to the Rowan Project for 2027/28. This will allow them some time to prepare for any recruitment, training, and for getting staff processes in place to hit the new financial year running,” said Colin Sutton.
“I would also like to thank the clients who shared their journeys to empowerment with me. This must have been challenging, and I am truly grateful that they took the time to demonstrate how powerful and effective the Rowan Project’s counselling and support is.
“Increasing provision of sexual violence support services to provide cross county accessible services is one of the most important tools available to me as Police and Crime Commissioner to improve outcomes for victims no matter where you live.”
The latest funding of an additional £73,400 to current funding will support the project until March 2028.
Kate Biles, Chief Executive for the Daisy Programme and the Rowan Project, said:
We are very grateful to the Police and Crime Commissioner for visiting us and demonstrating such a strong commitment to survivors of sexual and domestic abuse. His generous funding for our Rowan Project, supporting survivors of recent and historic sexual abuse, will allow us to maintain our essential services and expand our reach to support even more people.
What clients of the Rowan Project had to say to the PCC:
“Online counselling changed my life.”
“There’s no right or wrong way to react to trauma. Rowan and Daisy make me braver – that was then and this is now. It wasn’t my fault and reparation can happen.”
“I got this [support] at the right time. The legal side of things has been such a long process but my officer has been brilliant and has kept in touch every step of the way. Whatever happens, I’m back in control.”
The Rowan Project
The Rowan Project delivers free, confidential advice and practical and emotional support to male and female adults and young people (aged 16 plus) who are affected by sexual abuse.
To help service users cope with and recover from the harm and psychological distress they have experienced, support is available over the telephone, online or through face-to-face sessions.
The support services provided by The Rowan Project and the Daisy Programme can be accessed via:
Website: www.daisyprogramme.org.uk
Email address: rowanproject@daisyprogramme.org.uk
Telephone: 01953 880903
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Police and Crime Plan 26/28 and Police Budget Consultation 2027/28
