During a recent visit to the headquarters of Survivors, based in Hull, Graham heard how the charity is overwhelmed by the number of people referred to it for help without any funding being available to [...]]]> Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, is to aid a charity which provides support to the victims of sexual abuse.

During a recent visit to the headquarters of Survivors, based in Hull, Graham heard how the charity is overwhelmed by the number of people referred to it for help without any funding being available to cover the additional costs.

Graham said: “Survivors is a special charity. It supports people whose lives have been scarred by sexual assault. Volunteers and staff are dedicated to giving victims of sexual abuse the help they desperately need.

“The charity is working from very small and unsuitable premises in Hull, but helps clients from across the East Riding as well as the city. Judging by the number of referrals they receive and the high opinion of users of their services it is essential that they are put on a more sustainable financial footing. .”

Denise McCunnell MSc, Manager/Senior Counsellor for Survivors (Hull & East Riding) told Graham: “We desperately need larger premises and more sustainable financial support from both the East Riding and Kingston upon Hull to enable us to continue to offer therapy to those who have experienced historic sexual abuse, sexual violence, including rape and/or sexual exploitation.

“We estimate we need at least six therapy rooms to meet our current demand and reduce our waiting list which now stands at nine males and 22 females but which does not take into account on-going referrals from the local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), the Single Point of Access Service, Police, Probation, GPs, the Crisis Centre at Hull Royal Infirmary, Domestic Violence organisations (DVAP and DAP) from the East Riding and Hull, Social Services and Victim Support.”

Graham has promised to champion Survivors in its bid to gain more support from the local NHS and other local funders.

He said: “Survivors couldn’t be a worthier charity doing more important work. People who have been the victims of rape and sexual abuse should not be victimised again by a failure to provide the support and therapy they need.”

 The pledge was made at the Royal British Legion’s campaign website www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk

 Graham said: “I am delighted to be able to support the Royal British Legion. It has an important role to play in highlighting the needs [...]]]>  Beverley and Holderness MP, Graham Stuart, has signed a pledge to do his bit for the British armed forces family.

 The pledge was made at the Royal British Legion’s campaign website www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk

 Graham said: “I am delighted to be able to support the Royal British Legion. It has an important role to play in highlighting the needs of all the British armed forces family.

 “While I have already pledged to do my bit I would encourage others to visit the website, or call the Royal British Legion on 01304 205 900, and make their own pledge.”

 Kevin Shinkwin, the Legion’s head of public affairs, said: “We are really grateful to Graham for his support. The entire armed forces family needs the help and support of politicians from all parties, and our manifesto outlines practical ways the next Government can help.”

Family, friends and fellow volunteers gathered to honour Edith Scarth at a special ceremony organised by Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart on Tuesday.

Mrs Scarth was awarded an Experience Corps Local Heroes certificate to celebrate almost seven decades [...]]]>

Edith Scarth

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Family, friends and fellow volunteers gathered to honour Edith Scarth at a special ceremony organised by Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart on Tuesday.

Mrs Scarth was awarded an Experience Corps Local Heroes certificate to celebrate almost seven decades of volunteering by the 81-year-old.

The Hornsea resident, who has been giving her time to voluntary organisations since the age of 12, was presented with the certificate at the ceremony because she had been unable to attend a national event at the House of Commons earlier in the year.

Graham said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to celebrate and honour the life of volunteering which started out when Edith used to pack and send Red Cross parcels to Prisoners of War.

“All these years later, despite having retired as a nurse, Edith is still giving her time selflessly by volunteering with Marie Curie, the Hornsea Cottage Hospital League of Friends and even running a toy library.

“She has been, she is and she will surely continue to be an inspiration to many, many people.”

During her life Mrs Scarth has:

• Collected and sent Red Cross parcels to POWs

• Worked with the Red Cross in Easingwold, north of York, after training to be a nurse.

• Volunteered with the National Hospital Service Reserves at York during the War where she would often stay late into the evenings after her day’s work

• Fundraised for Marie Curie cancer care for the last seven years since retiring and moving to Hornsea. She was initially the sole fund raiser in Hornsea but now works with a committee of nine.

• Supported the Hornsea Cottage Hospital League of Friends which recently planted a daffodil garden of hope at the hospital

• Run a toy library for the children of Hornsea for the last seven years and will continue to contribute to this in its new venue at the children’s centre.

Now in its eighth year the Local Heroes award, organised by the Experience Corps, seeks to discover and honour the most dedicated volunteers from across the country while raising the profile of volunteering in general.