Survivors of childhood sexual abuse set to share their stories for local children’s charity

A Norfolk charity is sharing details of its fundraising afternoon tea, welcoming high-profile speakers to share their stories of surviving child sexual abuse.

Fresh Start new beginnings, which provides the only therapeutic service for children and young people in Norfolk and Suffolk who have been victims of sexual abuse, continues to see demand for its services rise. As part of its efforts to boost funds and extend its support to victims and families, it is opening ticket sales for the event which features presentations from speakers sharing their lived experiences.

Hosted by television broadcaster Sian Jones, the event will feature speakers including Jeremy Indika, who raises awareness of child sexual abuse by sharing his story and discussing the subject using film, animation, and photography. It will also feature an exclusive unveiling of a new project by Norfolk artist Lucy Goodall.

Offering therapeutic and support services for children up to the age of 18, and their families, Fresh Start new beginnings is able to support just 200 children per year and continues to see demands for its services rise.

Managing Director Patsy Johnson Cisse said: “I’m very grateful to our three speakers who will be coming to share their incredibly personal stories. By doing so, they are giving our children a voice, and speaking out on the reality and impact of sexual abuse.

“We know that almost 20,000 children are at current risk of sexual abuse in Norfolk. We have a growing waiting list for our services, which can make an incredible difference to the lives of these young people who have been victims of Child Sexual Abuse. It’s so important therefore that we reach as many people as possible.

“Events such as our afternoon tea allow us to talk through our services and why they’re so crucial so that together we can build on our fight against child sexual abuse.”

Working closely with The Sue Lambert Trust who will be joining us at the Afternoon Tea allows us to offer a joined-up service working with survivors of CSA across all ages.

Tickets for the afternoon tea, which will be held on Friday 21^st October at the Mercure Norwich Hotel, are available at a cost of £20 per person.  It is sponsored by Larking Gowen and local independent businesses will be offering shopping opportunities before and after the event. Tickets can be booked www.fsnb.org.uk, sandra@fsnb.org.uk, 01473 705111.