SURVIVORS of sexual violence in Chester are suffering with anxiety and isolation during lockdown.

Some are living in unsafe relationships and home environments. Many struggle to access medication, support or activities needed to manage mental health.

Fortunately, help is at hand, thanks to Chester Sexual Abuse Support Service.

CSASS has been supporting survivors throughout lockdown, continuing to provide weekly telephone calls, an anonymous supportline and regular remote support groups.

CSASS experienced a 51 per cent increase in contacts with survivors over the first two weeks of lockdown.

And now, the CSASS LiveChat service has been significantly extended, from four to 34 hours per week.

LiveChat is easy to access, discreet and anonymous, and is provided by a team of experienced, specialist volunteers.

Support is now available through LiveChat at www.csass.org.uk, Monday-Friday from 10am-4pm, plus every Monday and Wednesday from 6-8pm.

The Support Line is also available by calling 0808 284 0484 every Monday and Wednesday from 6-8pm.

Before lockdown, a survivor talked to CSASS about LiveChat, saying: "It’s really helpful to be able to just get it out, stop it going round your head.

"You can just be typing when you’re on the bus, and no-one knows."

This kind of privacy is more important now than ever.

Kathryn Kirk, outreach manager at CSASS, said: ‘We would love people to help us get the message out to survivors – we are here to help. Please visit www.CSASS.org.uk and ask your friends, family, colleagues and neighbours, employers, social groups or service providers to share. Thank you!"