Suffolk charity supporting sexually abused children faces longest waiting list in its history
Brave Futures is relying on events like this weekend's Dragon Boat Festival in Ipswich to raise money
A Suffolk charity supporting children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse says it is facing its highest ever demand for services, with waiting lists growing as funding pressures continue.
Brave Futures, which works across Suffolk and Norfolk, says it is seeing record numbers of referrals while future funding remains uncertain beyond the next two years.
The warning comes ahead of the charity's annual Dragon Boat Festival on Ipswich Waterfront this Saturday, which organisers hope will raise vital funds to help meet growing demand.
"They shouldn't have to wait"
Hannah Walker, Engagement and Fundraising Manager at Brave Futures, said the organisation was facing significant challenges despite increasing awareness of its work.
"We've got the highest amount of referrals, the longest waiting list we've ever had," she said.
She said the charity was currently in discussions about securing additional income to prevent waiting times from increasing further.
"We don't want children on a waiting list. They shouldn't have to wait," she said.
Brave Futures provides specialist support to children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse.
Ms Walker said increased awareness of the charity's services had encouraged more young people and families to come forward for help, but that success had also contributed to rising demand.
"It's like the chicken and the egg because we go out and we engage, and because we're so passionate about early intervention and prevention, we're seeing more referrals, which is brilliant," she said. "We don't want young people waiting for the service, but because of that, we now have this huge demand."
The Dragon Boat Festival, now in its seventh year, has become the charity's flagship fundraising event.
More than 30 teams are expected to compete on Ipswich Waterfront this weekend, with organisers hoping to match or exceed last year's £50,000 fundraising total.
According to the charity, that amount is enough to fund support for around 25 children and young people.
"We're showing people you don't have anything to be ashamed"
Ms Walker described the event as far more than a fundraiser.
"There is not a year that hasn't gone by that we haven't been met with someone that says, 'I can't believe you're in this space', or 'It's just so lovely to see you so visible'," she said.
She said public events helped challenge the shame often experienced by victims and survivors.
"When we're bringing it out into the public, we're being visible. It's far less shameful and we're showing people you don't have anything to be ashamed about."
This year's festival will feature dragon boat racing, live entertainment, food stalls, lion dancers and family activities across the waterfront.
Racing begins at 10am on Saturday, with organisers expecting thousands of people to visit throughout the day.