Red Kite, a rape support and counselling service based in Hertfordshire, is marking its third birthday. 

The charity's helpline was set up in 2020 and, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, has been able to offer to support more than 500 people in the county, with the majority of referrals coming from Stevenage. 

This year, Red Kite successfully launched group support sessions in Stevenage, and hopes to expand this throughout Hertfordshire in the coming months. 

The Comet: Coordinator of Friends of Red Kite, Kate, and young volunteer six-day-old Luna fundraising at Baldock Christmas Fair Coordinator of Friends of Red Kite, Kate, and young volunteer six-day-old Luna fundraising at Baldock Christmas Fair (Image: Siobhan Nundrum)

Charity founder Siobhan Nundrum said: "‘Despite our quiet and inauspicious start, Red Kite Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Service has gone from strength to strength.

"We have treated over 500 people who are now free to live their best lives. We feel that we are only just getting started and we have so many plans so that more people can recover and thrive and live free from the spectre of sexual violence.

"We have 127 people currently receiving support from us. Since May, when nobody was going through the Criminal Justice system, we have had several successful outcomes with perpetrators receiving sentences between four and 10 and a half years. 

"This would never have happened without the help of our wonderful volunteers and therapists.”

As well as its work to support survivors of sexual violence, Red Kite has also worked in the community to myth-bust and raise awareness around sexual violence. 

In 2021, Red Kite held an exhibition at The University of Hertfordshire named 'What Were You Wearing'. The poignant display showed replicas of clothing victims had been wearing when they were attacked, to stamp out the misconception that a victim's clothing could provoke perpetrators.

The exhibition returned to The Howard Centre in 2023, and on both occasions shocked, yet informed visitors. 

Siobhan added: "We are actively looking for more exceptional people to volunteer with us so if interested please send us an email to enquiries@redkitesupport.org.uk and we will get right back to you."

To find out more about Red Kite, go to redkitesupport.org.uk.