A CHARITY helping those who were sexually abused as children is today desperately trying to find new premises to carry out its vital work.

Survivors in Transition (SiT) said it has had to set up a counselling phone line to help cope with an influx of calls from adult survivors of childhood sex abuse who have come forward in light of the Jimmy Savile revelations.

But the charity, which had hoped to move to new premises in Felixstowe Road this week, is now homeless after the lease fell through.

One of the founders, Clare Wilson, said they “desperately” need a new home. But she stressed that while the charity is without a base the drop-in sessions it runs at the Willow’s Children Centre in Ipswich and Sea Breeze Children’s Centre in Felixstowe are still open to survivors needing help.

She added: “On the back of the Savile case we are experiencing a lot of extra calls and requests for support. But one of the biggest things we are facing is the women we are already working with are in chaos.

“They are really struggling with it, seeing it in the news every day.”

Ms Wilson said to cope with the extra demand for help the team have set up a phone line.

“We are finding women in their 60s and 70s disclosing,” she added.

“The triggers and flashbacks are happening because of the Savile case. For older women who have never told anyone, it is hard because for many their abusers are dead and can’t face justice.”

She said the charity is ideally looking for a building with a shop front where it can house all its services under one roof.

“The place we found was perfect because it had a shop front and so we were planning to open a charity shop to help funding and help women back into work.

“We need somewhere where we can have our training, drop-in sessions and counselling on one site.”

Anyone who can help the charity should call Clare on 01473 722773.

n For help call the charity on 07765052282 or visit www.survivorsintransition.co.uk