The Green House

We are introducing a new service to help professionals build their confidence and skills in working with children, young people and their families after s*xual abuse. Advice, resources and a space to think with a trauma-informed lens. Find out more by contacting us on info@the-green-house.org.uk

Access to pre-trial therapy continues to be a significant problem. All the challenges of the criminal justice system meet all the issues survivors of trauma face in being able to access support. Despite CPS guidelines changing to allow any kind of therapy and support pre-trial, services are still afraid, confused and worried about offering therapy. The Bluestar Project’s aim is to ensure that every therapy service is confident to open their doors, that every officer knows how to access notes correctly, and that every agency in the system realises that pre-trial guidelines apply to them too. Our hope is for every survivor of trauma to have access to the support they need while their case is pre-trial – for their voices to be recognised as the most important part of this journey. This year we will train nearly 3000 practitioners, reaching over 37,000 survivors across England and Wales. We are so proud of our Team, so we couldn’t be happier to share that we have been shortlisted for the CYP Now workforce award. Thanks so much to colleagues at the CPS, NPCC, NHS, Home Office and MOJ for your continued support. Get trained: https://lnkd.in/erBSCpEw #bluestarproject #pretrialtherapy #CPS #sexualviolence #mentalhealth

We are currently hiring for the position of Clinical Manager. Post: Clinical Manager Team: Senior Leadership Team (SLT) Manged by: The Green House CEO Responsible for: Management and development of therapy services Contracted Hours: 37.5 (1.0 FTE, working Mondays essential) Salary: £44,100 Location: St Paul’s Bristol Contract: Permanent Holiday: 25 days + bank holidays This is an exciting opportunity to guide the management and development of the only specialist service in Avon and Somerset supporting children, young people, and families who have experienced sexual abuse. Our distinct approach is: 1. Evidence-based, guided by research and best practices. 2. Led by the voices of young people and their families. 3. Centred on community and connection. 4. Focused on the transformational power of the creative arts. Though we deliver a local service, our work is influencing the national response to child sexual abuse. We provide national training on pre-trial therapy and survivor-led leadership programmes. It is an exciting time to join us as we establish our new service model, deliver a new strategy and look to increase both our local and national visibility. You will be joining an ambitious team who work tirelessly to improve the lives of children, young people and families who have experienced sexual abuse. Application form and full Job Description can be found on our website: https://lnkd.in/eVreCHt3 To apply, please fill out and send our Application Form to recruitment@the-green-house.org.uk. Any other methods of application (e.g. CV and covering letter) will not be accepted. Applications for this post will close on Monday 26th August, 11:59pm, with interviews expected to be held on the 5th or 9th September. We kindly encourage you to share this posting with your networks.

Have you had an experience of the criminal justice system, whether as a ‘victim’ or a staff member supporting someone through it? Have you witnessed or experienced the potential emotional, practical and further impacts of court delays? The Office of the Victims’ Commissioner want to hear from you - they have released two short surveys that shouldn’t take more than five minutes to complete. For Staff (Closes 31st August): https://lnkd.in/eVEDUfbH Welsh version: https://lnkd.in/eeY8428e Example of questions: What are the impacts of delays in the court system on victims (emotional, practical, engagement with the criminal justice system etc)? What are the impacts of delays in the court system on victims’ services and their staff? For Victims: https://lnkd.in/eUHkCpPe Welsh Version: https://lnkd.in/eeY8428e Example of questions: How long are victims waiting for their court trial date? How many court trial date changes are victims experiencing?

Read more below on the podcast launch event for ‘Conversations We’ve Never Had’, a groundbreaking podcast on child sexual abuse launched earlier this year by our CEO Gemma Halliwell and fellow leader in the sector, Candice Harris. The event was brilliantly chaired by Duncan Craig OBE of We Are Survivors.

Do you work with a survivor of sexual abuse aged 14+ who might benefit from creative, therapeutic support based in nature? We currently have some spaces available in our autumn Nature Based Creative Therapy group - to find out more watch the video on our YouTube channel and e-mail info@the-green-house.org.uk to register your interest. https://lnkd.in/e3mkiVw2 If the young person you’re working with seems interested but has some questions, we have some helpful videos on our Instagram page too: https://lnkd.in/eZ69bQ9d https://lnkd.in/ecweyxAh https://lnkd.in/e9p5hXvg

Tomorrow 16th July is the live launch event for ‘Conversations We’ve Never Had’ a groundbreaking podcast exploring the lasting impact of Child Sexual Abuse from friends and leaders in the sector Gemma Halliwell (CEO of The Green House) and Candice Harris. Gemma and Candice will be joined by Duncan Craig OBE to explore questions such as: How can hope inspire change? How do survivors hold onto something other than pain learn to live alongside it? And how do survivors do this even in our darkest moments? This event is for survivors, their loved ones and people working alongside survivors. Tickets are still available via Daunt Books: https://lnkd.in/e34uvNyc

“It’s never too late to talk.” This moving one minute film ‘The letter that took decades to write’ from Male Survivors Partnership powerfully highlights the barriers boys and men can face to disclosing sexual violence: https://lnkd.in/giUnWiZ4

“RSHE is about more than just teaching the biological aspects of sex. It’s about understanding consent, building healthy relationships, recognising abusive behaviours, and knowing where to seek help. This education helps us make informed decisions and respect others’ boundaries, which is crucial for our wellbeing.” This blog from Brook explores how proposed age limits in the draft RSHE guidance might put young people at risk: https://lnkd.in/ezrit7PY We have until the 11th of July to respond to the guidance and make our voices heard. Find out how here: https://lnkd.in/eJSkKzu3

A member of our parent VOICE group resonated with this message from Trauma Informed Schools UK. Does it resonate with you too? We are passionate about helping schools to be better when it comes to responding to s*xual violence. We continue to provide direct support through professional consultation, and in September we will be releasing our lived-experience guidance for schools. Watch this space!