About us
Our Values
The values of the Rahab project are rooted in our Christian faith, and are created to serve all sections of the community.
We offer befriending, practical support and advocacy and seek to open up opportunities. Motivated by compassion, we believe that every individual has the opportunity to thrive. However, many of the women we support face barriers and so we journey with them to find and make positive choices which will improve their self-esteem and quality of life.
Jesus loved the marginalised and the misunderstood. He spent time with people who were excluded from society and He created opportunities for change. All of our volunteers and staff aim to follow Jesus’ example, seeking to reflect that inclusive nature and compassion to those we serve as we recognise each person’s value.
We offer a service that is centred around the needs of the individual. This holistic approach is underpinned by our values of integrity, compassion, innovation, professionalism and inclusivity.
One of the women recently said to a volunteer, that we always do what we say we will do. We build trust through developing authentic and long-term relationships with the women.
“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1 v5
Our History
Nearly 20 years ago, a group of Christians were spurred into action when a local newspaper printed the names and photographs of local sex workers.
Three people independently contacted the National Christian Alliance on Prostitution (now known as Beyond The Streets). In the same month, Thames Valley Police asked the Mustard Tree Foundation’s CEO if support could be offered to women involved in on-street prostitution, helping break the cycle of re-offending.
People from local churches and Christian social action organisations formed the Steering Group, and Rahab was born. The first night-time outreach started in November 2005.
Nearly two decades later, we’re still predominantly a voluntary organisation for night-time chaplaincy outreach and now offer day-time support, key-work and advocacy, partnering with other local organisations.