If you are a victim of CSE then please get in touch! We are CSE Survivors. We understand you!
About our services
The Holly Project is a free, independent support service for the survivors of Child sexual Exploitation (CSE) and their families, run by CSE Survivors. It is a safe place for those affected by CSE to get support and advice from people who have experienced the trauma and impact of CSE.
The Holly Project aims to help survivors rebuild their lives and offer them hope for the future. We offer a safe place for young people who are at risk of exploitation, fleeing abuse, or just want to talk and run support groups for survivors, parents and their families.
We offer real, practical, lived support with understanding and empathy, which is completely judgement free.
We help each survivor to follow their pre-abuse dreams, this may be helping them to engage in activities, from boxing to crafts, encouraging and enabling them to access education or employment.
We work in partnership with Serona Counselling, who offer a free service to anyone who is engaging with the Holly Project service.
We recognise when you need support, you need it now.
We also run awareness sessions for organisations. If you would like any further information on any of our services, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page or click HERE to drop us a line.
Embrace the Positive
We provide structured inspirational talks, that detail our own experience and how we were able to find ways to cope / survive in the wake of serious trauma.
These talks are designed to provide awareness to professionals and inspiration to other victims / survivors.
Support for Survivors
Support for survivors aged 18+ We run drop in sessions 5 days a week to allow you to come in and talk to other survivors and provide direct access to services that can help you.
We also work with other agencies and volunteers to support you to build your confidence and self-esteem. We will support you through your journey, along with the support of other survivors who have similar life experiences.
If you are under 18 we will refer you to specialist support from the CATE team. You can contact them directly on 01952 385 385
Remember
- This is not your fault
- The only person to blame is the abuser
- Don’t make them talk if they don’t want to
- Don’t pretend to know how they feel
- Survivors won’t recover in a set amount of time – everyone is different
- Try not to make assumptions about what has happened
- Survivors can’t and won’t forget about their experiences
Informing Your Organisation
We run awareness sessions for Professionals who may be dealing with victims of CSE. These sessions help give an understanding the impact of the trauma and provide techniques that may help to provide better support.
If you / your organisation would like more information on how to book a session with us, then please complete the contact form at the bottom of this page.
Support for Parents of Survivors
We run a peer support group for parents where you can meet other parents of CSE survivors. They have found that meeting other parents who are struggling with the past abuse trauma very helpful.
Those supporting survivors often need support themselves. In order to support your loved one effectively, it is vital that you listen to their needs and their wishes, but it is equally important that you get the support to enable you to support them.
We offer 1-1 support if you feel a group setting is not for you.
We will support you through your journey along with the support of other parents who have similar life experiences.
We can help you access counselling. We run regular social activities and encourage all parents to support each other.
Remember
- This is not your fault
- The only person to blame is the abuser
- Don’t make them talk if they don’t want to
- Don’t pretend to know how they feel
- Survivors won’t recover in a set amount of time – everyone is different
- Try not to make assumptions about what has happened
- Survivors can’t and won’t forget about their experiences
Feedback
“Your presentation was very powerful, you are both extremely brave and strong. Continue with your great work. You are making a difference.”
“The hard hitting real life accounts make you reflect on your own practice “
“You are amazing people – so strong and courageous- thank you for everything that you are doing to help others”
“I feel angry and ashamed, as a professional working with young people, that you were so badly let down by the people that should of helped you. I’m sorry & I won’t ever not listen to the young people I work with.”
“Both ladies stories were very informative it gave me some insight into their experiences & also how as a professional I could improve/change my own practice to protect the vulnerable”
“Thank you for sharing such a powerful video, and thank you for what you do.“
“I am in awe of both speakers to bring this Holly Project to life. How I kept my tears back I will never know.”
“Amazing ladies, inspirational and I will never forget the presentation.”
“The best most moving presentation I have ever seen, be very proud of yourselves girls “
“Everyone should hear their stories and LISTEN, Inspirational! To be commended.”
“It made it real! Two survivors talking about what happened to them was very powerful. You can have a PowerPoint presentation overload but this 20 minute video put it all into perspective”
“You are two of the strongest and most inspirational women I have met, totally awe inspiring”
“Humbling- All professionals who have contact with children should see this presentation and be prepared to challenge themselves and their practice.Thank you so much“
“Just the power of it, total admiration for the awareness raising they are doing and their resilience”
“The most useful part of The Holly Project presentation was finding out about the depth of the impact on the victims. Having victims explain how it made them the person they are now. Keep it up! you need all the support you can get to keep this amazing service up.”
“I am personally grateful for your dedication- giving a voice to those that felt voiceless.” “Thank you for everything that you are doing for victims and survivors of CSE”
Trusted Partners
The Holly Project is funded by and working in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council. Below we have listed partner firms and support groups that we would also recommend.
Get in touch!
If you’re in immediate danger please call the police on 999.
If you would like to get in touch with us for help or further information on our services, then please complete the contact form below. *All details are confidential and will not be distributed to any third parties.