By Victor Verster

A Hove pub is raising money for a Brighton-based charity which supports female survivors of violence and sexual abuse.

The Farm Tavern, in Farm Road, has set up a bucket collection for Brighton-based charity Survivors’ Network and accepts patrons’ donations when asked to keep the change.

Garf Maggs, 32, pub manager, said: “The money will help victims of rape and sexual abuse by giving them a safe place to meet and talk to someone.”

Victoria Pond, 39, a volunteer worker with the charity, said: “They’ve gone above and beyond my expectations for a pub raising money for charity.”

The pub has so far raised more than £100 for the organisation and welcomes further donations and fundraising ideas.

Mike Weatherley, Conservative MP for Hove, said: “The work the Farm Tavern Pub is doing to raise money for the Brighton and Hove rape crisis centre deserves special recognition.”

He added that community fundraisers are a great way to boost local charities and hopes drinkers will give generously to what is an extremely important new local service.

Survivors’ Network provides advocacy services and drop-in counselling for women who have experienced rape or sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, ritual and organised abuse, and unwanted sexual experiences.

The charity also offers help to friends, partners, parents, external agencies, and other supporters of those impacted by sexual abuse and violence.

While crime in England and Wales has fallen 7% in the last year, the number of sexual offences reported by police has increased by 9%, according to official figures obtained by the BBC.

Further donations can be made at the pub or by visiting www.everyclick.org.uk/survivorsnetwork

Anyone affected by sexual abuse issues can contact the centre on 01273 720100 or at Help@survivorsnetwork.org.uk