Why Family Support?
The Green House believes parents, carers 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 impacted in many different ways when they find out the child or young person they care for has been sexually abused or assaulted.
"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." Parent
"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
We can help parents and carers through 1:1 support or within a group space in the following ways:
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Learn more about trauma and how this may be impacting the child or young person.
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To help you think about the impact the trauma has had on you as a carer or parent.
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Think together about ways to support the child or young person at home.
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To support and empower you to advocate for yourself or family with other services such as School if you feel the child or young person is not feeling understood or supported.
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To offer you emotional support.
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To share links to documents and resources around sexual abuse and assault that you might find useful.
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To signpost you or your family to other specialist agencies where appropriate.
The Family Support Workers do not provide therapy to parents or carers. If this is the type of support you require, please scroll to the end of the page for links to other services.
The Family Support Workers do not provide crisis support. If you are really worried about your wellbeing, please click here for links to other services.
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 Workers 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.
"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 goals and wishes. You can have up to 4 sessions to work on these 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.
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 happens in a group space?
We have been told that parents and carers can feel isolated when they hear that their child or young person has experienced sexual trauma and 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 carers to feel less isolated and work out a new way forward for you and your family after sexual trauma.
Our Parent Group isn’t a parenting course however we can share some useful ideas about how you can better connect with your child in a supportive way.
We offer a 6 weekly space for up to 6 parents and carers. Groups run 3 times per year and are held during working hours at St Agnes Lodge.
Each week, parents and carers can expect to be given information, participate in group discussion, have an opportunity to reflect and a chance to ask questions.
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 carers
- Myths about sexual abuse and trauma
- What you can do to support your child
We know coming along to a group can feel scary but we will speak to you about any worries you have before you join. The first session is focused on helping everyone to feel connected and confident to return for week 2.
One parent told us that by week 3, it felt like they were walking into their own living room!
Here is what some parents said about our group space:
"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.