Our History
1991
​
Milton Keynes Rape Crisis observed increased calls from the southern county, prompting the establishment of a training course in Wycombe.
6 women initiated counselling and phone line support in Wycombe, South Bucks, and Chiltern Districts.
​
1992 - 1994
​
Wycombe Rape Crisis secured 2-year funding and hired a part-time Development Worker.
Milton Keynes Rape Crisis changed its name to Buckinghamshire Rape Crisis to acknowledge the expanded work in Wycombe and Aylesbury.
Temporary office space was rented in early 1993, leading to more permanent premises in 1994.
​
1995 - 1997
​
Funding ended in 1995, leading to the organisation being run solely by volunteers.
Wycombe Rape Crisis gained independent charitable status, becoming Wycombe Rape Crisis (WRC).
Oasis, a support group for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, was initiated in September 1996.
​
1997 – February 1998
​
With no paid staff or core funding, volunteers gradually left, causing a reduction in services.
Services dwindled, with the last counselling session held in February 1998.
​
March 1998
​
WRC faced closure due to lack of funding, paid staff, and volunteers.
A survivor from Bucks Health Authority requested a year to revive WRC, which was granted.
​
April - December 1998
​
A new group of women formed to keep WRC alive and restructure its operations.
Remaining funds were used to hire a freelance worker for business planning and funding applications.
The organisation moved out of expensive and unused premises.
​
January 1999 – September 1999
​
A worker drafted a business plan, explored funding options, and submitted a funding application.
WRC secured a grant of £184,996 from the National Lotteries Charity Board for three years.
3 part-time staff were hired, setting the foundation for a counselling and support service.
​
October 1999 – January 2000
​
Staff began work while seeking suitable premises.
Office space was found in High Wycombe by April, and staff moved in August.
The first training for counselling volunteers commenced.
​
September 2000 to January 2001
​
Counselling services launched, with volunteers offering face-to-face sessions.
Oasis (Phoenix) support group restarted.
WRC gained visibility through talks, media coverage, and an official launch event.
​
February - May 2001
​
Telephone helpline initiated.
A fourth staff member was hired.
Support work expanded, including police and court accompaniments.
​
May – August 2001
​
Training for non-counselling volunteers began.
WRC's support work diversified, involving volunteers once they were trained.
​
September 2001 - April 2002
​
One-year anniversary of face-to-face counselling celebrated.
Phoenix ran weekly due to user demand.
Over 100 survivors sought support, and training for new volunteers took place.
​
May - July 2002
​
New volunteers, including counsellors, joined WRC.
Development grant applied for from the Community Fund.
Non-counselling support work and telephone services expanded.
​
August - November 2002
​
Telephone work and non-counselling support grew.
WRC received a £296,929 development grant from the Community Fund.
​
December 2002 – March 2003
​
WRC joined the Rape Crisis Federation Data Collection Project.
Recognised as a project of excellence by the Community Fund.
Demand for services increased, and over 80 women received support.
​
April to October 2003
​
WRC joined the Home Office "State of the Sector" panel.
A challenging period for WRC, with funding frozen due to trustee actions.
Despite challenges, services continued, and new volunteers were recruited.
​
October 2003 to March 2004
​
WRC expanded services, employed a fifth staff member, and developed befriending and advocacy services.
A successful year with a substantial number of counselling and support sessions.