How we support you.
Support for children and young people.
(Aged 5–17).
We offer specialist support for children who have experienced sexual violence or abuse.
Our approach is gentle, age-appropriate, and focused on helping children feel safe, supported, and able to express themselves in a way that feels comfortable for them.
"You provided a safe space for my daughter to feel heard and seen during a difficult process."
-Anonymous, shared with consent.
You are not alone.
If a child has experienced something upsetting, frightening, or confusing, support is available.
Many children do not talk about what has happened straight away. Some may not have the words to explain it. Others may show how they feel through their behaviour, emotions, or play instead.
This is a safe space for children to be supported at their own pace.
Why children may find it hard to talk.
Children may not always be able to explain what has happened to them. This can be because they:
feel scared or unsure
do not have the words to describe it
worry about getting into trouble
feel confused about what has happened
want to protect someone else
Every child responds differently. All responses are understood and taken seriously.
What support looks like.
We support children in ways that feel safe and appropriate for their age and needs.
This may include:
talking
play-based therapy
creative therapy
trauma-informed approaches such as EMDR where appropriate
Children are supported to express themselves in the way that suits them best.
They are not expected to talk about anything before they are ready.
How we support children.
Children aged 5–17 are supported by specialist counsellors trained in working with children and young people.
All counsellors:
have specialist training in child trauma
follow safeguarding and child protection procedures
provide support in a safe, child-friendly environment
Where appropriate, we assess a child’s needs in partnership with their parent or carer to ensure the right support is in place.
We also provide support for parents and carers, helping them understand how best to support their child.
Support after sexual assault referral centre (SARC).
We also offer short-term counselling for children and families who have attended a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).
This support focuses on:
coping with immediate emotional impact
managing day-to-day feelings and symptoms
developing practical coping strategies
It is not long-term trauma therapy, but can be an important early support step.
Support for parents and carers.
We understand that this can also be very difficult for parents and carers.
We offer support to help you:
understand what your child may be experiencing
feel confident in supporting them
navigate next steps and services
You do not need to manage this alone.
Speak to us.
If you would like to talk to someone about support for a child, you can contact us or make a referral.
If you are a young person reading this, you can contact us directly.
We will listen and support you at your own pace.
If you are under 18, we will need the details of a trusted adult who is aware of the referral and able to support you, as we will communicate with them as part of the process.