Make a referral
This page is for professionals, referrers and partner organisations supporting women and girls affected by rape, sexual abuse or sexual violence.
You may know exactly what support someone needs, or you may be unsure where to start. This page explains what Greater Manchester Rape Crisis may be able to offer, how referrals work, and what to tell someone before you refer them.
If you are supporting someone in immediate danger, call 999.
About this page
This page is for professionals, referrers and partner organisations supporting women affected by rape, sexual abuse or sexual violence.
You may know exactly what support someone needs, or you may be unsure where to start. This page explains what Greater Manchester Rape Crisis may be able to offer, how referrals work, and what to tell someone before you refer them.
If you are supporting someone in immediate danger, call 999.
Before making a referral
Please make sure the person knows you are referring them to us. It is important that they understand:There’s more to GMRC than the helpline. Find support for yourself, guidance if you’re worried about someone, or ways to get involved and help our work.
Some people are referred without fully understanding what Greater Manchester Rape Crisis does. This can make first contact feel confusing or unsettling. A clear explanation from you can help the person feel safer, more prepared and more in control.
1. Explain the referral
The professional explains who Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is, why they think the service may help, and what information they would share.
2. Gain knowledge or consent
The person understands the referral and agrees, unless there is a serious safeguarding or legal reason.
3. Submit the referral
The professional sends the referral using the correct route or form. Greater Manchester Rape Crisis checks the referral and may ask for anything missing.
4. First contact
Someone from the team contacts the person, where appropriate. This might include helping you understand your options, prepare for appointments, access other support, or feel more confident about next steps.
5. Options are explained
The person is told what support may be available, including any waiting times.
6. Next step agreed
Together, the person and Greater Manchester Rape Crisis agree the next step. This may be support, a waiting list, or signposting to another service.
Referral routes
ISVA support
An Independent Sexual Violence Adviser, often called an ISVA, can support someone if they are thinking about reporting, have already reported, or are involved in a police, court or criminal justice process.
Referral route: use our online referral form, which covers all of our services. We accept professional referrals. If you have any questions after sending a referral, or you cannot use the form for any reason, email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk or call the office on 0161 273 4591.
Counselling
Counselling gives someone space to talk in a non-judgemental and safe environment.
Referral route: use our online referral form, which covers all of our services. We accept professional referrals. If you have any questions after sending a referral, or you cannot use the form for any reason, email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk or call the office on 0161 273 4591.
We aim to provide support as quickly as possible; however, waiting times can vary for some services. You will be advised of any current waiting times during your initial assessment.
Helpline & Other Support Services
The helpline offers a confidential space to talk, ask questions or get emotional support.
Our helpline can also provide information about the range of support services we offer, including support groups and other wellbeing services, helping you find the support that best meets your needs.
The helpline may be useful for survivors, or for friends, family members and professionals seeking guidance.
Staying private: if you’re worried about someone seeing that you’ve visited this site, you can browse in private or incognito mode, and clear your history afterwards. Your device’s browser settings explain how. If you’re ever concerned about being monitored, consider using a different device, such as a library computer or a friend’s phone.
Referral resources
Training and advice
We may be able to provide training, advice or policy support for organisations.
Training could help professionals understand sexual violence, trauma, responding to disclosures, referral routes and how to support someone without taking control away.
Questions professionals often have
Please do not make a referral without the person’s knowledge, unless there is a serious safeguarding or legal reason. Wherever possible, the person should understand who you are referring them to, why, what information you are sharing, and what may happen next.
Counselling referrals go through the same online form. The person can refer themselves, or you can refer them with their knowledge.
We accept professional referrals for ISVA support.
Tell them:
You can contact us for advice. We can help you understand whether GMRC may be appropriate and what other options might be available. You can also call our helpline on 0161 273 4500 to talk it through.
We can help you understand whether GMRC may be appropriate and what other options might be available.
We need to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the people we support.
We may not be able to share information with referrers unless the person has given clear consent, or unless there is a safeguarding or legal reason.
Content needed from GMRC: confirmed confidentiality and information-sharing wording.
Referral form
You can refer yourself directly to Greater Manchester Rape Crisis. You don’t need to speak to anyone first.
Complete the form below when you feel ready. You can take your time, and the information you provide will help us understand how we can best support you.
If you’re unsure which service is right for you, that’s okay. We can help you work that out.
Self-referral form