Important news re the BRAVE service
It is with a heavy heart that we announce that from Friday 23rd August 2024 we will no longer be accepting new BRAVE referrals for women. BRAVE Too, our service for men, is unaffected by this and we encourage referrals until further notice.
We have always appreciated the funding we receive from the OPCC, which is sourced from the MoJ. At this moment in time, the MoJ have not yet confirmed any release of funds and, as such, there is uncertainty around our funding for the next financial year. Our 4 women’s groups starting in September 2024 are full, with a wait list, and our groups starting in January are already filling up. Based on historical demand, we expect that these will be full very shortly.
Needless to say, this has been a difficult decision to make but we owe it to our service users to only offer what we are certain we can deliver. We sincerely hope that this is an interim measure and that, when funding can be secured, we will be back to delivering the service in full. We will let you know as soon as that happens.
After Friday 23rd August 2024 , should you require any assistance in locating alternative suitable support for clients impacted by domestic abuse in the Thames Valley, please contact Victims First, who will happily assist you.
Victims first can be contacted free on 0300 1234 148 or victimsfirst@thamesvalley.police.uk
For more information visit www.victims-first.org.uk"
Or, clients can access NHS Talking Therapies in one of three ways:
- Sign-up online (self-refer)
- Call 0300 365 2000 (press 2) (self-refer)
- Or they can ask their GP to refer them
For more information about Talking Therapies: NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies, for anxiety and depression (berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk)
Thank you for your understanding and, in the meantime, we will continue to work hard to support the women and men you have referred to us.
Dr Jane Barker
Principal Counselling Psychologist and BRAVE Team Lead
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
BRAVE Programme, New Horizons, Pursers Ct, Slough SL2 5BX