Child sex abuse support group nets £150k funding

A GROUP that supports victims of child sexual abuse in Shetland has been given nearly £150,000 of funding from the Big Lottery Fund.

Survivors of Sexual Childhood Abuse Information and Resources (SSCHAIR), which launched over 20 years ago, will use the money to develop its one-to-one support service.

It is one of 19 projects in Scotland, which has been given a slice of £4.3m of lottery funding designed to help communities overcome “challenging circumstances”.

SSCHAIR coordinator Laura Herculson said the grant would make “such a difference” to the group.

“It’s specifically for the one-to-one support side of things, and it means we will be able to expand this service for survivors,” she said.

“It’s the fastest growing part of the service and the difference it’s making to people’s lives is absolutely amazing.”

Last year SSCHAIR expanded its service and moved into premises on Lerwick’s Commercial Street also occupied by Shetland Link Up.