SV2 – Supporting Victims of Sexual Violence Ltd – provides specialist support to children, young people and adults across Derbyshire who have experienced sexual abuse.
The funding will be distributed over the next five years and will contribute towards essential running costs including rent, IT support, therapy services and office administration.
Worth £180,000 a year, the grant will cover approximately 15 per cent of SV2’s annual operating costs and provide the charity with greater financial stability at a time when demand for its services is increasing.
SV2 chief executive Rachel Morris said the funding had arrived at a critical time for the organisation, which has bases in Ripley and Buxton but supports people throughout Derbyshire.
She said: “The increase in demand for services means that SV2 is needed more than ever in Derbyshire, and this funding certainly gives us some security to continue our valuable work.
“We are obviously extremely grateful for this support from The National Lottery, especially when other pots of money are reducing and costs are rising so quickly.
“We rely heavily on funding, and this grant means that we can continue to support the growing number of children, young people and adults who need our help.”
Supporting thousands of people across Derbyshire
Between 2024 and 2025, SV2 worked one-to-one with 4,145 clients, with men accounting for 16 per cent of those receiving support.
The charity also delivered workshops in schools, helping young people learn about consent, healthy relationships and how to access support following sexual violence.
More than 200 training sessions were delivered to over 6,000 professionals, including NHS 111 operators, GP surgery staff, social care workers and trainee police officers.
Rachel said SV2 supports people of all ages, with its youngest client aged three and its oldest aged 83.
She said: “Sexual abuse should not exist, and no one should deal with it alone.
“As a charity, SV2 is here to support and empower victims, inform the public and protect future generations by raising awareness of sexual abuse and rape.
“We are extremely grateful for the financial support we receive, which is fundamental to our ability to deliver vital services to children, young people and adults across Derbyshire.
“Without sustained investment, our capacity to provide this essential support would be significantly reduced.”
Funding provides long-term security
Helen Greig, chair of trustees at SV2, said long-term funding allows charities to plan for the future and ensure their services remain available to those who need them.
She said: “SV2’s essential work would simply not be possible without the long-term support of funders such as The National Lottery Community Fund.
“Funding like this, which allows charities to plan for years instead of months, enables us to ensure that the people who come to us in their darkest time are equipped with the skills and support they need to thrive in the future.”
Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson, a supporter of SV2 and former Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, also welcomed the announcement.
She said: “Survivors of sexual violence and abuse deserve the chance to heal and rebuild their lives.
“Rachel and the exceptional team at SV2 help make that possible, providing specialist support with compassion, dignity and care.
“This five-year funding will give them greater security to continue that vital work, while equipping public services to better understand and respond to survivors’ needs.”
Rachel Morris was appointed chief executive of SV2 in 2023, having previously held senior positions with organisations including Derby Diocese, Derby Cathedral and the YMCA.
She is also a board member of Derby County Community Trust, a director of Derbyshire County Cricket Club and a Deputy Lieutenant.
Rachel founded the Friends of Derby 500 Club, which has raised more than £100,000 to support people in need.
Image caption: From left: Claire, administrator; Tracey, therapy delivery manager; Dave, learning and development officer; Helen, administrator; Ian, ISVA delivery manager; Carolyn, independent sexual violence adviser; and Katie, independent sexual violence adviser.