Guest blog from SARSAS: resources to help you heal
This is a guest blog from Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (SARSAS). SARSAS is a specialist support service for people in Somerset and Avon who have experienced any form of sexual violence, at any point in their lives.
We understand that whether you’re on our waitlist, unsure if 1:1 support is the right fit for you, or simply exploring what feels most comfortable, the choices and options available can sometimes feel overwhelming.
The resources we’ve gathered here are completely free, and each one provides tools you can use at your own pace, whenever you’re ready.
They’re designed to provide guidance and support you in taking small but meaningful steps toward self-care and understanding sexual trauma. No matter where you are in your healing process, they are available whenever you choose to use them.
Please remember that healing is deeply personal, and there is no right or wrong way to approach it. It’s okay to take your time.
1. Trauma & Self Care Online Course
Our Trauma & Self-Care course is for anyone who has experienced rape, sexual assault, or abuse. This self-paced course includes eight sections, covering topics such as understanding trauma, emotional responses, self-care tips and grounding techniques. The course includes a blend of a combination of written materials and videos to support your learning.
Why you might find this course helpful:
- Self-paced: Learn at your own speed, with the freedom to return to sections whenever you need to. There’s no rush – take the time you need to explore and understand yourself better.
- Learn strategies: Discover strategies for self-care and emotional grounding, specially designed for people who have experienced sexual trauma.
- Flexible format: Engage with short, digestible written content and videos, presented by members of the SARSAS team.
Enrol for FREE today: Trauma and Self-Care: online course
2. Getting Started Online Course
Our Getting Started course is a four-week, confidential online programme to support victim-survivors of sexual violence in beginning their healing journey. The course is structured and non-interactive, delivered in a series of 90-minute live webinars.
Why this course might resonate with you:
• Live learning: Sessions are live which might be beneficial if you’d like to establish a routine during the week alongside your learning.
• Structured learning: The course progresses over four weeks, building understanding each week.
• Personalised Q&A: At the end of each session, there’s a 30-minute Q&A where you and other participants can ask questions and address any concerns in a safe, supportive environment.
If you’re interested, please email us at info@sarsas.org.uk for more details on course schedules and how to join.
Download the Getting Started: an introduction to trauma factsheet.
3. The Green House & Roots Yoga Videos
Our partner, The Green House, in collaboration with Bristol Yoga Roots Project, has co-produced a series of 11 grounding yoga practice videos.
These practices cover techniques across various areas of wellbeing, including relaxation, confidence-building, and anxiety management.
Why you might find these videos helpful:
• Quick and easy: Short yoga sessions that you can try at a time convenient for you, ranging from just a few minutes to 20 minutes in length.
• Variety of techniques: Explore grounding practices to help with sleep, focus and acceptance.
• Accessible for all levels: Whether you’re new to yoga or have some experience, these videos are suitable for all levels of practice.
These videos are available anytime, providing a calming resource when you need it most.
Watch the series of videos here: Grounding Practices – YouTube
4. SARSAS Self-Help Guides
Our downloadable self-help guides are designed to help you better understand trauma responses and develop coping strategies. We offer guides tailored to different needs, including specific ones for men and boys, or women and girls.
Why you might find these guides useful:
• Downloadable and free: Over 50 pages of content that you can keep for your personal use.
• Expert insight: Written by our trauma-informed experts, these guides offer valuable information and support.
• Practical tools: Learn strategies for processing emotions and incorporating self-care into your daily routine.
Download a copy of your FREE guide here: SARSAS Self-help Guides
Additionally, our partner Kinergy provides free downloadable resources on topics such as anxiety, PTSD/C-PTSD, and dissociation.
Download your FREE copies here: Kinergy Self-Help Guides
5. Free, Confidential Helpline
Our Helpline (phone, e-support and live chat) service is here to offer emotional support whenever you need someone to listen.
These free, confidential services are available for people of all genders aged 13+ who have been affected by any form of sexual violence at any point in their lives.
Why this service might support you:
• Live chat: If you prefer written communication or can’t speak freely, our live chat service allows up to 40 minutes of support.
• E-support: Email us and we aim to reply within one working day with a detailed, thoughtful reply you can keep and refer back to.
• Call us: Speak with a specially trained volunteer for up to 40 minutes of direct support.
Visit our website for our Helpline opening hours.
Out of hours support
If you need support outside of our hours, you can also access:
National Helpline: 0808 500 2222 (Rape Crisis, 24/7)