CARING people are being sought by a Worcester based charity which offers help and support to victims of sexual abuse and rape.

The Worcestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Group is appealing for women with time to spare to work on its helpline as well as offering face-to-face counselling to victims.

The volunteers will attend a three-month training course in conjunction with Worcester College of Technology, before offering the free, confidential and non-judgemental service.

Nia Quinlan, co-ordinator for the charity, said the current storyline in BBC 1's Eastenders featuring a battered wife raped by her husband, and media coverage of abuse victims had prompted more women to seek help and support.

In the past six months more than 70 women have sought face-to-face support and the charity has received 180 calls to its Helpline, a figure Miss Quinlin said was "increasing steadily".

"We want to ensure we are able to continue helping the women that seek our help so want to recruit and train volunteers to provide the vital service we offer," she said.

"We also ensure all volunteers have easy access to support and guidance while working with us. Regular support evenings are held for volunteers to attend, which provides mutual support for one another."

She added the philosophy of the group was to give women the opportunity to "take control" of their lives after in incident of rape or sexual abuse, which she claimed was usually a means to humiliate and disempower by the attacker.

But she said the group was also looking to expand the service to men who are raped or sexually attacked.

"At present we do not work with men, however we are hoping to increase our service to include them by the end of next year," she said.

"We are currently looking at preparing a specific training course for helping men who are the victims of rape or sexual abuse.

''If any men are interested in volunteering when the service is up and running we would be pleased to hear from them."

Anyone interested in working with the group should contact the centre on 01905 724514.