Backing for rape crisis service in health centre

Published 4 Feb 2010 10:01 7 Comments

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How the new health centre will look when finished

By Ewan McInnes

A 'MUCH needed' rape crisis centre is being considered by medical chiefs.

Barrhead Community Council recently raised the prospect of this service being included in the new Barrhead Health Centre, due to open next year, with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

And while the NHS GCC are consulting with local stake holders on the range of facilities it will include in the health centre they have confirmed that they are considering where a rape crisis centre would be best located.

Rachel Rees-Jones, manager of East Renfrewshire Women's Aid, has welcomed moves to bring such a facility to the area.

She said: "From our point of view in terms of having a rape crisis centre in the area, it would certainly be a good addition to East Renfrewshire.

"In terms of location I wouldn't like to say but just having the service would be a real bonus.

"There has never been a rape crisis service in East Renfrewshire.

"There is a very good service in Glasgow and it would be good to see that expand here."

Tommy Reilly, chair of Barrhead Community Council, reckons a rape crisis centre should definitely be included in the new health centre.

He said: "We are very much in support of a rape crisis centre being included in the new health centre in Barrhead.

"If it is a fully modern facility it has got to encompass all services and rape is truly traumatic for the people who are victims of it.

"We think greater consideration should be given to have it in the new health centre.

"I am not sure where else they could have it but it is definitely something that is much needed.

"People shouldn't have to go on long jaunts to Glasgow to access these kind of services.

"It can have an impact on mental as well as physical health and Barrhead Health Centre would be the preferred location for this facility.

"We understand that because of finances this might not be possible but we would hope everything possible is done to make it happen.

"We are looking forward to the new health centre opening and we hope it caters for all the needs of the people in Barrhead."

This article appeared in Barrhead News 04 Feb 10

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Catriona J
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Feb 8, 16:56
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Brilliant. That's a brilliant idea, to include a rape crisis centre in the new health centre. Woman (and men) will feel really comfortable talking to people from this area because you know the kind of people they are and it would be great not to have to go all the way to Glasgow for this kind of thing.

How do people get time off work to go there anyway? Better to have it close by, then it doesn't feel like such a mission.

Barrhead services for Barrhead people. These community councillors should run the actual council.

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William
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Feb 9, 10:07
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That's a great idea. It seems to be a lot of woman feel let down that they can't access these kind of services here when they should be able to. It's going to be a great thing for the town if a rape crisis service is in the health centre. I'm sure there are loads of other services too - hopefully people will see this and suggest their own ideas.

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JK
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Feb 9, 10:54
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Fantastic. My daughter was the victim of a sexual attack and was at a loss of what to do afterward. It would be great if this service was available in Barrhead because trekking your child to Glasgow for 8 or so weeks just makes what was already a horrific experience even worse. Please start this service for us.

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William
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Feb 9, 11:43
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That's a great idea. It seems to be a lot of woman feel let down that they can't access these kind of services here when they should be able to. It's going to be a great thing for the town if a rape crisis service is in the health centre. I'm sure there are loads of other services too - hopefully people will see this and suggest their own ideas.

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Liam
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Feb 9, 12:10
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As a man, I think it would be good if they'd include stuff like this is the new centre. I know it's difficult to accept these things happen to people, but it's time that the people of Barrhead got the modern and up to date service that they deserve.

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Lynn
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Feb 9, 12:12
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Going to Glasgow to get this kind of service is a joke. I'm glad they're hoping to include in the new centre. My kids are only four and five but it helps me a bit knowing that they are at least going to grow up in a place which addresses these concerns. Now let's stop talking about ifs and buts and make it a reality.

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Harry P
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Feb 9, 12:15
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Chuffed at this. My wife was mugged the other week and although it might not have been a sexual attack, I'm happy to know that they are starting to consider introducing these features to Barrhead. She couldn't leave the house for ages to go to work never mind go to Glasgow for counselling. It would have been better if there was somethng pretty much on our own doorstep.

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******
Feb 13, 17:44
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