If you are struggling following sexual assault, please know that there is support available and you are not alone. We understand how difficult it can be to seek help and appreciate the strength and courage required to take this first step.
Covering Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, the Ascend service offer evidence-based, psychological treatment and support to anyone aged 18+ who might be experiencing trauma symptoms as a result of sexual assault, abuse and rape. Trauma can often affect many areas of your life; including your mental health, your relationships and how you feel about yourself.
Ascend work in partnership with local voluntary sector services (Staffordshire Women’s Aid), and alongside existing NHS services, including Talking Therapies and secondary mental health services.
If you are currently accessing a service within one of our partner services (Staffordshire Women’s Aid) you can speak to a member of the team about a referral to the Ascend service.
Ascend also take self-referrals, and you can access our service directly by contacting us by phone or by email, using the details at the bottom of the page.
Online referrals can also be made via Staffordshire and Stoke Talking Therapies online self-referral: Home – Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Talking Therapies.
All referrals to Ascend are discussed to determine whether the service is able to meet your current needs. Once a decision is made, you will be notified of the outcome and invited for an assessment, lasting approximately 1hour.
The assessment aims to explore your current difficulties and based on this; we will provide recommendations for care and treatment. At each stage of this process, we will discuss these options with you, make sure that you understand our decisions and answer any questions that you might have.
If for any reason that we feel that an alternative service would be more suitable, this will be discussed with the referrer, and the service user will be appropriately sign-posted.
Ascend offer face-face appointments at our bases in Newcastle Under-Lyme and Cannock, as well as from some of our satellite services across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent. We are also able to offer virtual appointments if needed.
Our service places compassion at the centre of our work, so whenever you feel ready, we are here to help you navigate what support may be best for you.
You can contact Ascend by phone or email:
0300 790 7000 ext 730 4462
Based in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Cannock.
Lancaster House, 25 Iron Market, Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1RH
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