In the first of a new series, focusing on charities and community organisations that are making a real difference to the lives of people in the local area, we focus on Yellow Door.
Yellow Door is an innovative local charity offering free and accessible, trauma-informed support for victims and survivors of abuse. Their vision is of a world where adults, families, young people and children can live without experiencing domestic and sexual abuse and the resulting devastating impacts.
Starting 40 years ago in Southampton as a small volunteer-led helpline for women who had been raped or sexually assaulted, they now provide a range of therapy, advocacy and education services which aim to raise awareness, prevent abuse, reduce harm, empower and support recovery, and help to rebuild lives across Hampshire.
Yellow Door services
Their therapeutic services include 1-1, group and family therapy, where service users can use talking, play and art therapies to process and move on from their trauma, living healthier and happier lives.
Yellow Door’s Advocacy helps service users in getting the support they need. This could be through their Diversity and Inclusion service, for people who experience additional barriers to accessing support. This could be mental health barriers, disability, language etc. Yellow Door’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisors are for those who are considering reporting an unwanted sexual experience. This service is independent from the police and can discuss concerns around reporting a crime and help navigate the criminal justice system if someone decides to report.
Yellow Door’s education services run groups helping people who have experienced domestic abuse and their STAR project give sessions to children and young people teaching them about topics such as consent and healthy relationships.
Impact
Domestic and sexual abuse are significant issues in Southampton and Hampshire, with Southampton having the 3rd highest rate of sexual offences in England. Yellow Door has seen an unprecedented rise in demand in the last few years, referrals have more than doubled since the pandemic. You can watch Yellow Door’s recent film here.
‘The help I have received has completely changed my life. I feel stronger, more confident and optimistic about the future. I am so lucky to have accessed this service.’
Yellow Door Service User
How to get support
If you would like support from Yellow Door, you can find more information and make a self-referral on their website at www.yellowdoor.org.uk, or phone them 02380 636312. You can also call their helpline on Wednesdays 3pm-6pm on 02380 636313.
Want to support Yellow Door?
If you’re interested in supporting Yellow Door, you can set up a one-off or regular donation here. [https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/charity/yellowdoorsolent] If fundraising appeals to you, you could take part in a challenge event, fundraise for your birthday or get your community or workplace involved. Email supportus@yellowdoor.org.uk for more information or ideas on fundraising. You can also sign up to their mailing list here.
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