Big increase in Shropshire sex abuse helpline calls after Jimmy Savile and Rolf Harris cases

Axis, in Wellington, has seen a rise of 21 per cent in the number of cases being referred to them following the coverage of high-profile celebrity sex cases in recent years.

The charity, based at the Glebe Centre, had 427 referrals in the whole of 2011-12. But that number has increased significantly, with 484 in the first six months of 2014 alone.

Chief executive of the charity, Liza Morgan, said she felt the national coverage being given to cases of this kind, including Max Clifford and historic allegations against Liberal MP Sir Cyril Smith, had encouraged more people to come forward about their own abuse. She said: "Our referrals have risen as people are having more courage to come forward now that survivors are being believed."

Axis has now taken on two new counsellors and is now offering more appointments than before in a bid to ensure victims do not face a lengthy wait to receive help.

"We know how frustrating it is for our clients to have to wait for their counselling once they have taken the courage to pick up the phone and ask for help. We offer a first appointment within 10 days, and then someone with good availability should be able to start their counselling within a matter of weeks – in the past a more lengthy time has been the norm."

"What I'm trying to do with this is to show people in Telford that there is help free of charge. It is funded by other people and ourselves but we can recognise that people in the area who can't afford expensive services, need help."

Axis offers counselling for free to anyone over the age of 11 living in Telford & Wrekin.

The charity is in the process of launching a new logo to mark its 21st anniversary and is also looking for volunteer fundraisers.

Nationally, calls to the NSPCC's helpline also doubled after the Savile case compared with the same period the year before, with nearly 600 cases being referred to police and social services.

Rolf Harris, 84, was convicted of indecent assault on girls as young as seven following a series of historic allegations. He was jailed for five years and nine months.

• Anyone wishing to make an appointment with Axis or volunteer should contact 01952 278000. Axis is open five days a week, Monday to Friday from 10am until 4pm. Visit axiscounselling.org.uk