Circles Uk would like to thank most sincerely all those who responded so generously to our Radio 4 appeal, presented for us by Baroness Helena Kennedy QC. Donations have been coming in, and as news of further sexual abuse scandals continue to surface in the media, we are even more determined to see Circles ever more widely available as part of sexual reoffending prevention services.
In the wake of the Jimmy Savile revelations and intense media coverage of the associated issues the appeal had been postponed from its first scheduled broadcast in November. Although our work is about preventing such sexual abuse, it had been felt the public atmosphere was not likely to be at its most receptive at that time given our particular approach of working directly with those most likely to commit such harmful acts, as effective as the model is in helping reduce sexual reoffending. So to have had the positive response since 27th January when the broadcast went out, repeated three times that week, is hugely gratifying and encouraging. At present over £7,500 has been contributed, and there has been a considerable number of expressions of interest from around the country from people offering to become a Circles Volunteer. Sadly not all local Projects will be able to make use of such offers as limited finances still restrict scope to grow in some places. But all income raised is invaluable, and to know that many more in our communities are wanting to be part of this innovative approach is truly affirming and hopeful! Please do keep an eye on our website for further developments and opportunities.
We will do all we can to ensure that such interest and commitment can be increasingly engaged, and put to good use in this vital task of reducing sexual offending. Very many thanks.
