VICTIMS of sex crimes in Basingstoke are having to wait up to nine months for counselling because of a lack of volunteers.

There are currently 19 people on the waiting list for face-to-face counselling at the Basingstoke Rape and Sexual Abuse Crisis Centre - the only specialist support centre of its kind in north Hampshire.

Co-ordinator Sarah Robinson told The Gazette: "The person at the top of the list at the moment phoned us in September last year and we're hoping to start counselling her quite soon.

"It is not uncommon for people to have to wait six to eight months. We actually lose contact with some people because they have to wait such a long time and their phone numbers have changed."

Sarah said the men and women who join their waiting list often call regularly, asking if they are able to come in yet, but she and the other centre workers cannot help them immediately because there are simply not enough counsellors to cope with demand.

"It's frustrating for us to say 'I'm sorry, it's not your turn yet,' but it's all we can offer them," said Sarah.

The centre has three fully-trained counsellors, who work face-to-face with victims, and 12 line-workers to give victims, or their families, support over the telephone - but more volunteers are desperately needed.

"There are occasions when we can't man the crisis line when we're supposed to be open," said Sarah. "People are phoning expecting support and we can't give it."

Last year, the centre took more than 500 phone calls. Some of the people on the other end of the line wanted counselling, some just wanted to talk and other 'silent callers' were too upset to speak.

"They are often in great distress - we have phone calls where people are just crying and can't say anything.

"We let them know that we're there and if they want to speak, they can," said Sarah. "If they don't, we never hang up on them. People sometimes phone five times before they are ready to talk to us."

Judi, who has volunteered as a line-worker and a counsellor for seven years, said: "The work is emotional, but it's very rewarding. Once in a while, you get feedback from someone who says you have really helped them. This support is really needed."

Volunteers can be male or female and must be over 18. Line-workers will be given a 48-hour training course before they begin volunteering, and then will be asked to give up three evenings a month. Counsellors will be asked to take on one or two clients.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should call 01256 843810, and anyone who needs to speak to a counsellor should call the crisis line, 01256 840224, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 7pm and 9.30pm.