DEDICATED volunteers at an Oxford anti-abuse charity have had their hard work recognised by a regional award.

The Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre (OSARCC) offers free, confidential advice and support to women and girls who have survived sexual abuse, rape, domestic abuse and harassment.

Now in its sixth year, the centre is one of six charities in the South East to receive £1,000 in the Lloyds Bank Foundation’s Charity Achievement Awards 2015, and was given the regional commendation for “Valuing Volunteers”.

Director Lisa Ward said: “Volunteers are critical for the survival of our organisation, without whom we would not be able to support as many survivors as we do.

“We’re delighted that our work has been recognised, and hope to continue supporting more women to gain new skills and experiences through roles with our organisation.”

The service has about 50 volunteers and only a handful of paid staff.

Police figures published last week revealed that 1,013 sexual offences were reported from July 2014 to June 2015, compared to 593 the previous year.

Last year, volunteers responded to more than 700 calls to the helpline and sent about 300 emails to support those in need from a confidential location in central Oxford.

It takes 60 hours to train each volunteer.

Helpline volunteer Nicole Titera, of East Oxford, said: “About two years ago I was looking for an opportunity at a women’s organisation.

“I did a fantastic training project with OSARCC and was really well-supported all of the way through it.

“I volunteer for about 10 to 12 hours a month. The subject matter is very challenging, but I have found it really rewarding being able to give back.

“Being supported by so many fantastic women is what keeps you going.”

Outreach co-ordinator Ellie Bennett said: “You have to be really committed. It can be quite difficult because of the nature of the work; they provide support to each other.

“Volunteers are our heart. They deliver all our frontline support and are involved at every level shaping our services. They are integral to everything we do.”

Another Oxford-based charity, Reducing the Risk, works to combat domestic abuse and has also been named regional winner in the ‘Championing Change’ category.

In the past year staff have been working to put together a ‘Domestic Abuse Champions’ network, through which staff from various services including police and health services work together to achieve common goals.

Development manager Michelle Plaisted-Kerr, who co-ordinated the project, said: “It’s really fantastic that we have got through to the regional awards.”

Along with third winner Yellow Submarine, which provides activities for children with learning disabilities and autism in Oxfordshire, the charities will find out in early October if they have won a UK-wide Charity of the Year award.

* For OSARCC’s helpline, call 01865 726295 or 0800 7836294.