A NEW support group to help victims of sexual violence say the response to their organisation has been “fantastic”.

SoulSpace was launched in February by Jo Matthews, Mel Sanderson and Jen Potter who have each experienced abuse.

The group, which is open to men and women and thought to be the first of its kind in the area, have now met for the first time.

Mel said: “We are overwhelmed by the support and positive feedback we have received since SoulSpace launched.

"Our first group at the end of March was an absolute success and everything we hoped it would be - a good mix of people there to support each other.

“We received fantastic feedback from those who attended the first meeting, with one person stating ‘I can’t wait for the next group’.

"If we have achieved this at such an early stage, then we are confident that SoulSpace will continue to successfully support men, women, boys and girls who have suffered domestic and sexual abuse.”

Since helping set up the group, Jen - who recently published a book about her experience of sexual abuse - has moved away from running the organisation due to other commitments, but Mel and Jo said “the future is looking bright for SoulSpace”.

The pair are planning to register the group as a charity in coming months, and looking to organise a larger meeting space for upcoming meetings “due to the overwhelming initial response”.

The next meeting of the group will take place on Monday, April 30.

For more information on SoulSpace or to confirm attendance at the meeting, email info@soulspace.org.uk or go to facebook.com/soulspaceyork