Helpline

Our free national helpline provides confidential, non-judgmental, and informative support to parents, carers, and professionals working in the field. Lines are open Monday to Thursday from 10am, closing at 2pm, 4pm or 6pm, depending on available volunteers. We help callers explore ways to cope in the moment and determine a way forward. Each caller receives a needs assessment, providing insight into their immediate circumstances, wants, and needs.

Support for children and young people

After experiencing sexual abuse, a child—whatever their age—may have feelings that are difficult for them to understand and cope with. They may feel responsible for and/or angry about what has happened to them; they can feel guilty and confused, and they may fear what will happen next. Our creative arts therapy is open to child victims up to the age of 16, and their siblings, so long as their non-abusing parent or carer is engaging in their own counselling. 

To build on this, we are introducing a new Young People’s Counselling service to work one-to-one with young people aged 14 - 21. Some young people told us they were discouraged by the idea of ‘creative arts therapy’, and wanted a more adult approach, akin to traditional ‘two chair’ therapy. The new service will combine talking therapy and creative tools such as drawing or sand tray work to support young people to process trauma in an age-appropriate way.

Parent counselling

Non-abusing parents and carers experience feelings of loss, isolation, guilt, anger, and anxiety, while also dealing with significant life changes. Our counselling service provides a safe, confidential, non-judgmental space where they can feel supported and listened to. One-to-one sessions, whether online or in-person, help to rebuild their confidence, alleviate isolation, and gain skills needed to safeguard their children going forward.

Legal services

We Stand’s long standing advice service for families (covering issues such as housing and divorce) continues to be valued by clients. In recent years however, there has been a growing demand for qualified legal advice from someone with specific expertise in child sexual abuse. We have therefore appointed a fully qualified in-house solicitor. Direct support will include immediate risk reduction (such as non-molestation orders) and aiding the client to represent themselves in court.

Training for parents and carers

We understand how difficult parenting can be after a disclosure of child sexual abuse. To address this, we have developed a training programme which aims to help parents/carers support their children through trauma while regaining confidence in their parenting. We deliver a structured four-week group programme and tailored one-to-one sessions depending on need. This includes ‘Understanding the impact of trauma on the brain’ and ‘How to have difficult conversations.’

Training for professionals

For several years, we have offered ad-hoc training for professionals who meet our client group, such as the police or those working in the legal system. We have now devised five one-hour lunchtime talks which can be accessed individually or as a series. Topics include the grooming process and working in a ‘trauma informed’ way to best support victims. We also offer a one-day training that supports delegates to better understand abuse and its impact on the whole family.