Why Family Support?
The Green House believes parents, care givers and supportive adults are key to supporting children and young people to heal and recover after sexual abuse or sexual assault. We know that parents and care givers can be affected in many different ways when they find out the child or young person they care for has been sexually abused or assaulted.
We can help parents and carers through 1:1 support or within a group space in the following ways:
- Learn more about trauma and how this may be impacting the child or young person.
- To help you think about the impact the trauma has had on you as a care giver or parent.
- Think together about ways to support the child or young person at home.
- To support you to advocate for yourself or family with other services
- To offer you emotional support.
- To share links to documents and resources around sexual abuse and assault that you might find useful.
- To signpost you or your family to other specialist agencies where appropriate.
The Family Support Practitioners do not provide therapy to parents or care givers or provide crisis support. If you need therapy or crisis support, please scroll to the end of the page for links to other services.
"We were met with kindness and openness and that we were listened to straight away. It was a big relief to speak to someone who took time and listened, who was kind and gave hope that help was available."
"I cannot thank you enough for the support and understanding in the sessions. The sessions helped me to prioritise my areas of concern (which all seemed priority, where I felt overwhelmed at times). I feel I have a weight lifted from my shoulders and feel more positive when dealing with my priorities." Parent
"It's been a lifeline to have someone to talk to who gets it in a world where no one does." Parent
What happens in a 1:1 Session?
Our 1:1 sessions are based on your individual needs. You can have up to four sessions and we can meet in person at St Agnes Lodge, in your own home, online through Microsoft Teams or over the telephone. Whatever feels right for you!
Our service is open from 9-5pm Monday to Friday.
Check out our staff page to see who is in our Family Support Team and read a little about their backgrounds. They are a small team who work flexibly across the working week.
Here is what some of the parents said about our 1:1 support:
"No matter what, I never felt judged at any point. The guilt that was suffocating me melted away and I grew in confidence to support my child the best way that I can." Parent
"I found everything helpful. Knowledge and giving me the understanding to support my daughter better. Confidence to advocate for my child. I feel stronger."
"A real sense of belonging, everyone was so kind and I found the science behind the behaviour so helpful in understanding why this was happening."
What if I don’t know what I want?
Sometimes when there is a lot going on it can be hard to identify what it is we want or need. Our Family Support Practitioner can meet with you to help you decide if Family Support is something you’d like and together you can decide what feels right for you.
What happens in a group space?
We offer a six weekly course for up to six parents and care givers. Our groups runs three times per year and are held during working hours at St Agnes Lodge.
We have been told that parents and care givers can feel isolated when they hear that their child or young person has experienced sexual trauma. There might not be any other families that you know who have been through something like this.
Being part of a group can help parents and care givers to feel less isolated. Together we can think about what you and your family needs after sexual trauma.
Our Parent and Care Givers Group isn’t a parenting group, you can see an overview of the course content below.
The topics we cover are:
· The impact of trauma on our brains and bodies.
· Grounding and self-care
· The impact on you as parents and care givers
· Myths about sexual abuse and trauma
Each week, we will share information, there will be an opportunity to connect with others through discussion and to reflect on the content of course and individual experiences. We will have snacks and a hot cuppa waiting for you!
We know coming along to a group can feel scary, but we will speak to you about any worries you have before you join. We will talk about your needs in the group as well as things like timings, access and confidentiality. The first session is focused on helping everyone to feel connected and confident to return for week two.
One parent told us that by week three, it felt like they were walking into their own living room!
Here is what some parents said about our parent and care givers group:
"Please do come to the group, the mentors are so lovely and caring. The group has helped me bring peace and understanding on what has happened and has shown me and my daughter hope for the future."
"It's the most helpful thing you can do not only for yourself but for your child as well. You are not alone."
"Please come to the group, you will learn so much, and feel completely supported."
Link to Therapy Services
Womankind
Counselling for women of ages, cultures and backgrounds.
1 to 1 Counselling – Womankind Bristol
SARSAS
Counselling for people of all genders aged 18 plus across Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Somerset who have experienced sexual abuse or rape.
The Southmead Project
Counselling for people aged 18 plus who are survivors of sexual abuse living in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset.
Counselling | Southmead Project | England
NHS Talking Therapies
Therapy for all individuals over 16 across the UK.
NHS Talking Therapy | Vita Health Group
Links to Crisis Support
AWP Intensive Service
Rapid assessment and treatment for people experiencing a mental health emergency.
Intensive services :: Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (awp.nhs.uk)
Samaritans
Support 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK
Telephone support from 6pm to midnight.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline Uk » Home (spuk.org.uk)
Campaign against Living Miserably (CALM)
Telephone and webchat service.
Homepage | Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) (thecalmzone.net)
SWITCHBOARD
Telephone or webchat service for anybody identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.