ANDOVER Rape Crisis Helpline (ARCH) could be facing closure - but for the help and generosity of Andover Women in Business (AWIB).

Each year AWIB chooses a local charity to support. This year the rape crisis helpline was chosen because it is a non-funded organisation which relies on fundraising and donations.

Last year the helpline was nearly forced to close when social services stopped paying its rent.

Every week helpline volunteers hold two telephone sessions and two face to face counselling sessions with men and women.

"There is nothing in Andover which deals with this kind of thing and not many rape organisations deal with men and women.

"It is wrong to assume that only women get raped," said one of the volunteers.

The offer of support resulted in ARCH providing a wish list of equipment and help needed to keep going.

It included a computer with the internet, an accountant, a second telephone line so men can speak to a male counsellor and a website.

So far AWIB has raised £200, donated two laptops and they have had an offer of an accountant.

With an accountant ARCH will be able to apply for a grant.

In previous years they have had no records of their finances.

Currently Arch is open Tuesdays from 7pm to 9pm and Saturdays 2pm to 4pm on 01264 336222.

In time ARCH would like to get a freephone telephone number and a full time counsellor.

Although AWIB has fulfilled most of the wish list members are still planning a sponsored sky jump.

Larch Gauld, director of AWIB, said they plan to carry on raising money throughout the year and help as much as they can.