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Meet the team

Chester Sexual Abuse Support Service is a voluntary organisation. We were founded by a group of exceptional women, and we remain a women-led organisation.

As a member organisation of Rape Crisis England and Wales, we recognise that sexual violence is a crime of violence and an abuse of power, and that it is the cause and consequence of gender inequality. We continually strive to make our services as inclusive and as accessible as possible, and remain committed to feminist principles.

Our staff

Alison Breadon – Centre Manager

Alison joined CSASS in 2016, and has a background in charity management and fundraising.  Alison has worked within mental health, disability and the arts.

Sarah – Counsellor

Helen – Communications & Fundraising Officer

Helen has lived in Chester for 12 years and runs her own women’s networking business meaning she has a vast web of connections across the city and lots of experience working on women’s issues in Chester. Having supported CSASS for many years through work in the community, Helen was already invested in the cause when she took on the role in 2023. “I’m really looking forward to shouting about the amazing things CSASS does, and encouraging support for this gem of a service.”

Suzanne – Core Services Manager

Suzanne is a qualified therapeutic counsellor with a background in psychology and education.

Kathryn – Outreach Manager

Kathryn works in the community reaching survivors and raising awareness through workshops, campaigns and presentations.

Jo Breese – Clinical Supervisor

Jo is a qualified Counsellor and Supervisor, with over 14 years of experience working as a counsellor in the NHS, for charities, and as a Lecturer in Counselling. She is also an experienced Supervisor working with both qualified and trainee counsellors.

Vicki Colyer – Supportline Lead

Vicki started as Support Line Lead after graduating with a distinction in MSc Positive Psychology & Wellbeing. Although new to this role, Vicki has volunteered for CSASS for many years, and has previous experience working in a domestic abuse refuge and as a wellbeing connector for a drug and alcohol service. Her previous employment, academic history and personal experiences have made Vicki passionate about supporting survivors of sexual violence and abuse.

Rhiannon Bevan – Office Manager

Rhiannon manages the office, keeps things ticking over day to day, and will often be the first person you speak to at CSASS.

Our trustees

Joe Gavin

I’m Joe (pronouns: He/Him/His), a trustee at CSASS. I have lived experience,in the community and also in mental health. I work in the NHS training staff of mental health and have won prestigious awards in the process, I look forward to supporting this charity to be what you need.

 

Lorraine Pate

Lorraine is an experienced counsellor, family therapist and clinical supervisor.

Dawn Llewellyn

Dawn joined CSASS as a trustee in 2021, having heard of its vital work and the support it gives to clients. She lives in Chester with her partner, is a keen swimmer, and spends a lot of time looking after Sidney, a Bearded Collie/Springer Spaniel accidental cross who belongs to someone else! Dawn works at the University of Chester, where she teaches and researches religion and gender. As a feminist, her work examines women’s experiences, practices, beliefs, and identities in contemporary Christianity and spirituality.

Jessica Sanford

Jessica is a Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Gender Theory at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD).  She teaches and supervises students at Undergraduate and Postgraduate Level on a range of topics including Gender Theory. Currently training to be a Person-Centred Counsellor, Jessica is passionate about working with women and adolescents. Jessica feels very honoured to be a Trustee of CSASS, and wants to take the opportunity to be a part of a charity that is focussed on survivors. She lives in Llandudno, North Wales, with her two children and her husband.

David Clough

David is Chair of Theology and Applied Sciences at the University of Aberdeen, after having worked at the University of Chester for 15 years until 2021. He is married with three adult children and lives in Upton near Chester Zoo. He is motivated to support CSASS as a trustee through an awareness of the long-term impacts of sexual abuse.  David also has a strong conviction that men should not be bystanders in addressing male violence. His recent academic work is focussed on animal ethics and he is Co-Chair of CreatureKind. He brings experience of managing people and budgets in non-profit organisations.

Hannah Georgious

Hannah has lived in Chester with her partner since 2014. She works as a local GP and a clinical lecturer at The University of Liverpool.  Hannah also has her own cake decorating business and loves outdoor swimming!

Through her clinical work, she has developed an interest in women’s health and has regular safeguarding experience. Through some of her patients, Hannah saw first hand what a hugely positive impact CSASS services have made and how vital the work is. She is committed to using her clinical and small business experience to help CSASS increase the number of survivors supported and broaden awareness of the impact of sexual violence.