SOMERSET families affected by childhood sexual abuse – and the professionals working alongside them – are being offered crucial support through a new partnership.

The scale of the challenge is immense – in Somerset, it is feared that hundreds of children and young people are affected by sexual abuse every year.

Barnardo’s and SARSAS (Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support) are working together to offer support and training to families and professionals in order to give them greater confidence to respond effectively.

Commissioned by Somerset County Council and NHS England, the Somerset Phoenix project is a specialist service for children and young people aged from five to 18 and their parents and carers.

It is not a crisis referral service. Instead, it focuses on recovery and supports families and professionals to develop their skills and knowledge through the provision of comprehensive training, self-help guides and consultations.

Staff are also establishing professional forums and a peer support group for parents and carers, and there is provision for specialist support, counselling and creative therapy.

The Somerset Phoenix Project first started taking shape last June but now has a full team of staff. In the first nine months of development, they received almost 100 requests for support for children and families, and more than 100 requests for professionals to attend Phoenix training.

Physical, emotional and behavioural issues can include flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, eating problems, truancy, depression, isolation and aggression.

However, the service is already making a positive impact on local families.

Barnardo’s children’s services manager Michael Hammond said: “This is a major milestone in improving support for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, building on the expertise of our Mandala therapy service which has already been working in Somerset for more than ten years.

“The Phoenix team has a specific focus on children who are not receiving effective support despite the terrible abuse they have experienced. With Somerset County Council’s vision to commission this service, we are filling a huge gap which had previously caused a lot of distress.

“The staff build capacity among frontline professionals such as school staff and social workers and significantly reduce the negative impact of this horrendous crime, addressing problems before they become too serious and entrenched.

“We always work with hope, and believe – with the right support at the right time – victims will recover their childhoods and rebuild their lives.”

Chief executive Claire Bloor said SARSAS was very optimistic that the Phoenix Project will take forward its aim to be part of a culture in Somerset where no-one is afraid or ashamed to speak up about childhood sexual abuse.

“This project is a vital part of the services offered to survivors and professionals; providing the right service at the right time.”

Cllr William Wallace, chairman of Somerset County Council, said: “I am very proud that Somerset County Council Public Health, working in partnership with our NHS England and CCG commissioners, identified the need for this very special work training professionals and families to help children affected by sexual abuse.

“I hope that children and families involved in the Somerset Phoenix Project will themselves gain strength and resilience from the support they receive through this project and go on to rebuild their lives.

“At Somerset County Council, we are dedicated to giving every child the very best start in life and we are doing everything in our power, working with partners, to prevent, identify and deal with child abuse and child sexual abuse.”

For further information, email [email protected] or visit the Barnardo’s website and its Somerset Phoenix Project link.