Kerri Brems - ARCH Teesside

Why did you decide to become a champion?

I am passionate about advocating for victims and survivors of sexual violence and ensuring the people we work with are believed, heard, and seen.

I believe by becoming a Healthwatch community champion, that I can help challenge and change the barriers and areas that are often having a direct impact on people’s recovery from sexual violence.

How does your role help people in South Tees?

ARCH Teesside supports women, men and children across Teesside who have experienced sexual violence, whether this happened recently or not. We support people who have reported what happened to the police and through the criminal justice process with our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors.  However, you do not need to have reported to the police to access ARCH services.

We also provide specialist counselling which is where my role is. I am sexual violence counsellor which helps people explore how they may have been affected by what they have experienced and help to understand and process their feelings and to help them move forward.

We also provide play therapy, practical and emotional support and support for parents and caregivers, as well as delivering specialist training and Prevention work.