Funding lifeline secures therapy services for sexual abuse survivors in Lincolnshire
National Lottery grant ensures continuation of Elm Project
A crucial therapy service for sexual abuse survivors in Lincolnshire has received a financial boost through a grant from the National Lottery.
The NW Counselling Hub CIC in Lincoln secured almost £300,000 to keep the Elm Project running for at least another four years.
The project, which began in 2022, has already supported over 500 individuals in recovering from sexual abuse.
The Elm Project offers various therapies, including talking therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and creative therapy for children through play, art, and sand trays. Services are free for anyone aged over four who has faced sexual abuse.
Emma Conway, Chief Executive of NW Counselling Hub, expressed her excitement, saying,
"We’re all very pleased to have secured this funding. It’s a significant amount of money which will allow us to help a large number of people and continue the amazing Elm Project."
The 14 counsellors at NW Counselling Hub are highly qualified and have at least two years of post-qualifying experience.
Patients are usually referred for therapy by support organisations, but individuals can also refer themselves.
Graham Rowntree, Support Planner at Framework Lincoln, praised NW Counselling Hub for its effective support, stating,
"NW Counselling Hub is recognised throughout Framework for delivering a quality service, and there is always a tangible improvement for our clients."
The service empowers clients, leading to positive outcomes such as increased optimism, confidence, and hope.
Emma Conway emphasised that survivors do not need to have reported abuse to qualify for therapy, and there is no requirement to discuss their experiences with counsellors.
An open morning at NW Counselling Hub will take place on 20th July 2026, between 10am and 12 noon, inviting people to learn more about their work.
The grant from the National Lottery Reaching Communities England fund totals £299,853, enabling continued support for communities in Lincoln and beyond.
For therapy access, contact NW Counselling Hub at 01522 253809 or email [email protected] .