We’re absolutely thrilled to share that SARAC has won the Best Customer Service Award at the East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Awards! We had a truly fantastic night celebrating alongside so many wonderful local organisations. Representing us on the evening were Caroline Fotheringham (CEO), Murron Seabrook (Young Persons’ Worker), Alix Morris (Young Persons’ Worker), Emma Bisseker (Trustee), and Sophie Allen (Ambassador); a small snapshot of the incredible team behind everything we do.
For us, this award is so much more than a trophy. Charities rarely get the opportunity to be part of celebratory events like this, and to have our work recognised in such a meaningful way feels incredibly special. When we applied, it wasn’t about titles, it was about appreciation. Appreciation for our volunteers, staff, trustees and ambassadors who keep SARAC going day after day, always going the extra mile. They’re the ones answering calls, supporting survivors, delivering education, and quietly making a world of difference behind the scenes. Even during COVID, when so much of the world stood still, they didn’t. They adapted, showed up and continued to help others heal, even when it wasn’t easy. That kind of commitment deserves recognition.
Caroline captured it perfectly in her words to the team:
This award is dedicated to our Staff Team, Trustees, Volunteers and Ambassadors, both old and new. We are SARAC. Our charity supports victims of sexual abuse in Burton, Lichfield, Tamworth, Uttoxeter and South Derbyshire through emotional support.
1 in 4
Women are victims of
sexual violence
1 in 6
Children are victims of
sexual violence
1 in 18
Men are victims of
sexual violence
Last year, we supported nearly 700 victims.
SARAC was one of the very few organisations who continued to deliver specialist services through COVID, and now through a funding crisis and cost of living crisis. Due to a lack of dedicated, secure funding for victims of sexual violence, our charity had no choice but to carry out a staffing restructure with a reduction of 50% to our team. And do you know what the first thing every single member of staff said when they were informed about the possibility of losing their job, just a month before Christmas? ‘How will this impact our clients?’ Our team consistently goes above and beyond. Our clients are always at the centre of everything we do, and we receive incredible feedback from them day in, day out. I say congratulations to all who were shortlisted, but OUR team truly deserves this customer service award. We receive this award with pure pride. Staff, Volunteers, Trustees & Ambassadors… this is for you. Thank you.
This award is a reflection of the compassion, resilience and unwavering dedication shown by every person connected to SARAC. We’re deeply grateful to be recognised among so many brilliant organisations making a difference across East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire. And most of all, thank you for seeing the heart (our people) behind what we do.