A COUNSELLING centre for victims of rape and sexual abuse has launched a new website with the help of The Northern Echo.

Organisers hope that the Internet presence of the Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre, in Darlington, will help raise awareness of its services, and can be used as a more anonymous method of finding out information.

The centre offers a free, confidential counselling service.

Many of the people who might use the service could be reluctant to contact the centre by telephone and could find the site a help.

The website has been launched through The Northern Echo's Communigate service, which offers free sites for community organisations and groups.

Wednesday's launch, at Darlington Town Hall, was overseen by the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Isobel Hartley.

It was seen as an important step in the progression of the centre's service and features details of what is on offer as well as contact details.

The centre is open on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 6.30pm to 9pm.

Counsellors are available on (01325) 369933.

The website can be found at www.rsacc.org.uk or www.communigate.co.uk/ne/rsacc.

Anyone interested in the CommuniGate service is welcome to visit the CommuniGate website, or contact Alison Nicholson, on (01325) 505270, or e-mail communigate@nne.co.uk.