York Rotary has chosen Survive as their nominated charity of York’s Dragon Boat Race 2026.
The dragon boat event, held in July each year along the River Ouse, provides a high-profile opportunity to support local charities that make valuable contributions to York’s community. Since 2003, the event has raised over £1.7million in donations and sponsorships, all for worthy causes. Stalls and a variety of activities also run alongside the River Ouse to create a Gala Day atmosphere, complementing the Dragon Boat Racing. The day itself brings in several thousand spectators.
This year’s event will be taking place on Sunday 12th July 2026.
Survive is the only accredited sexual violence agency delivering a range of specialist services and trauma-specific interventions to adult survivors of rape, sexual assault, and/or child sexual abuse living in York and across North Yorkshire. Their range of free-of-charge services and interventions includes support work, counselling, trauma therapy, EMDR psychotherapy, a helpline, and library. You can find out more about Survive‘s services here.
Sexual violence can have a long-term, even life-long, impact on a survivor, affecting their mental, emotional, and even physical health. Many survivors present with depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms, such as nightmares, flashbacks, and panic attacks. Maladaptive coping strategies such as substance misuse, harmful drinking, self-harm, and suicidal behaviours are not uncommon in a survivor population – with survivors of child sexual abuse 15 times more likely to take their own lives.
Survive’s evidence-based services help survivors get their lives back on track by reducing their psychological distress and trauma symptoms and increasing their ability to cope and function with everyday life.
Survive is seeing more people than ever before, and many with more complex needs meaning they require longer periods of support. Increased demand for their specialist services, plus rising costs, means they need to raise more funds than ever before.
In 2025, Survive smashed their £2000 fundraising target for the Dragon Boat Race, raising a total of £5,265. The year before (the charity’s first ever race), they raised £5,765.
“The choice for 2026’s nominated charity was a very competitive one, with 7 nominations put forward. In the end, the decision was unanimous, with strong support for Survive to be our partner charity. The work they do in our community is so important, and there is very clearly a growing demand with survivors of sexual abuse, especially child sexual abuse. York Rotary feel the work of Survive should be supported in any way possible, and helping to raise funds for them through our Dragon Boat event is just one way we can help. We know current demand for their services is greater than which they can supply and so, we are delighted to stand beside them in supporting those in need in the York community.” Brian Joscelyne (York Rotary – Co-chair, Dragon Boat Organising Team)
“We are so pleased that York Rotary has chosen Survive as their 2026 Charity. Not only will this support bring much-needed funds to the charity, but it also sends a clear message to survivors of sexual violence and abuse living in York and further afield: “What happened is not your fault. You are worthy of help and support to get your life back on track. We stand with you.”” CEO of Survive, Ms Mags Godderidge.
This year’s event will be taking place on Sunday 12th July 2026. More information can be found here: www.yorkrotary.co.uk/db-visitor-information – please do come along and support Survive and the other charities taking part!
