Hollyoaks star running to raise money for Somerset charity
SARSAS worked with Isabelle Smith on a sibling sexual abuse storyline.
Hollyoaks actress Isabelle Smith is raising money for a local charity which supported her during filming.
She's taking part in the Great Manchester Run 10K for Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support - after they worked with her character Frankie on a sibling sexual abuse storyline.
“SARSAS now holds a special place in my heart,” Isabelle shared.
“They provided so much support to me whilst filming Frankie’s storyline. I wanted to give something back and help them continue to be a safe space for survivors, where they are believed and heard.”
SARSAS is a specialist charity offering free, confidential support to people affected by sexual violence across Avon and Somerset.
As a non-profit, SARSAS relies heavily on donations to provide counselling, helpline services, and advocacy for survivors of rape and sexual abuse. The number of people coming forward for their services increases year on year.
Isabelle added “It’s so important for me to support SARSAS because they are an entirely non-profit charity offering support for people affected by rape or any kind of sexual abuse.
"In order to do the incredible work they do, they need funding and so anything I can do to help is a no brainer for me!”
The impact of Frankie’s storyline has been far-reaching. Isabelle says the response from survivors has been astonishing— with messages and letters flooding in, thanking her for helping to raise awareness of sibling sexual abuse.
“I just feel so honoured I’ve been able to play the smallest role in helping survivors to be heard and get the support they deserve.” said Isabelle “I’ll always use my platform to keep raising awareness”.