Two new support groups for survivors launching in Darlington and County Durham 2026

We are pleased to announce that will be running two specialist support groups in January and February for adults in Darlington and County Durham aged over 18 who either experienced sexual abuse as a child or have experienced sibling sexual abuse.

Adult Survivors of Sibling Sexual Abuse

This six week-long group is specifically to support adult survivors of sibling sexual abuse and rape. This could be children living in the same biological family and/or living in the same home. Including and not limited to half siblings, step siblings, foster/adoptive siblings, or cousins who have a sibling-like relationship. In this group, we will give and receive peer support, learn about trauma responses and explore issues such as shame and self-blame. We will also explore how to build your self-esteem and coping mechanisms.

The group will be delivered online via Zoom on the following dates:
Thursday 12 February 2026 6pm-8pm
Thursday 19 February 2026 6pm-8pm
Thursday 26 February 2026 6pm-8pm
Thursday 5 March 2026 6pm-8pm
Thursday 12 March 2026 6pm-8pm
Thursday 19 March 2026 6pm-8pm

Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

This six week group is to support adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and will be held in person at a location in Durham City Centre. The course of sessions will include peer support, as well as exploring topics such as trauma responses, feelings of shame or self-blame, building self-esteem and identifying a range of coping skills. Groups are based around activities, discussion and mutual support, and provide a confidential space to share without fear of judgement. Previous participants who have attended our Childhood Sexual Abuse group have said, “I’ve always looked for a group like this where I could identify with the other people who have gone through the same trauma as myself so I can feel I am not alone in struggling with these issues I’ve had my whole life. This group has helped me massively to understand it’s normal to feel this way, that others relate to how I’m feeling and has helped me understand how I feel about my trauma” and also “For me personally the best thing about the group was the support I received from Jemma and all the other lovely ladies attending. I feel so listened to and understood.”

This group will meet in person at a location that will be confirmed with you, starting on:
Friday 23 January 2:30 – 4:30pm
Friday 30 January 2:30 – 4:30pm
Friday 6 February 2:30 – 4:30pm
Friday 13 February 2:30 – 4:30pm
Friday 20 February 2:30 – 4:30pm
Friday 27 February 2:30 – 4:30pm

Both groups will be facilitated by Jemma-Leigh, our Group Co-ordinator at RSACC. If you are interested in booking to attend either, we would love to help you. Please email info@rsacc-thecentre.org.uk or call 01325 354 119 to find out more.