A VITAL service for people who have been traumatised by rape is struggling for survival after a bout of bad luck.

York Rape Crisis (YRC), run on a shoestring budget by a small group of dedicated volunteers, had its computer stolen in January and is now desperately seeking a room to use as its new headquarters because its current space will soon be no longer available.

YRC was started 12 years ago and faces a continuous struggle for survival. It is funded by a grant of £1,500 from City of York Council and donations from local trusts.

YRC currently rents a room in a York guest house, but the owners are emigrating so the service needs a new home.

It runs a helpline and offers information, counselling and support. The service receives about 400 calls a year and provides around 280 hours of counselling.

Rachel Thomas, collective member of YRC, said: "The recent loss of the computer is a major blow as this is where details of monitoring service levels for City of York Council are stored. Without these statistics the group's funding is at risk. Another major use of the computer is a database of addresses for fundraising purposes. It is a mammoth task mailing out to trusts and local companies and now all the history of this has been lost, as well as the means to run a fundraising mailshot."

New premises are required by the summer and ideally, suitable rooms should be private, with phone facilities and storage space. It must also be within easy reach of the station, buses and car parks. The majority of counselling takes place in the evenings, weekends and some mornings and the helpline is staffed every Thursday evening.

Rachel said: "We realise that with our restricted budget we may have to share space within an office, hotel or other suitable environment. If any readers feel they can help, or have any practical ideas about suitable accommodation we would love to hear from you."

If you can help, or would like to become a volunteer or counsellor or give a donation, call the 24-hour helpline on 01904 610917, or call the same number on Thursdays between 7pm and 9pm when a volunteer will answer it.

Updated: 13:19 Saturday, April 07, 2001