Information for Survivors
Survivors of Abuse
A Message from Bishop Brian to all affected by abuse within the Church
Dear brothers and sisters,
I am personally reaching out to apologise to you who have been affected by any kind of abuse at the hands of clergy, church employees or volunteers in the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles. I am keenly aware of the life-long suffering that must have has resulted from such deplorable actions for you and those close to you. I acknowledge with the deepest regret that too often in the past the response of Church leaders was inadequate. I appreciate that it may be difficult for many survivors to approach the Church, but I want to reassure you that we are here to listen and help your healing by providing appropriate support. You also have my personal assurance that the most robust safeguarding measures have now been put in place to protect the innocent and vulnerable. Please know that you are also in my prayers.
Bishop Brian McGee
Local and National Support Services
For Children, Young People & Parents
Childline: for people up to 19 years old, 24 hour help line and email and online chat services. Tel No 0870 336 2910 or Freephone 0800 1111 email scotland@childline.org.uk
Children 1st: offers services to children and families affected by abuse. Tel No 0800 28 22 33
website www.children1st.org.uk. They also have a parent line: Tel No 0800 028 2233 (weekdays 9am – 9pm), email parentlinescotland@children1st.org.uk
Child Exploitation & Online Protection (CEOP): the National Crime Agency’s education team which helps protect children and young people from online child sexual abuse. To report concerns about online abuse and information on internet safety: www.thinkuknow.co.uk .
Survivor Groups/Organisations
Future Pathways: set up to allow survivors of in-care abuse in Scotland to access services. This replaced In Care Survivors Service. Tel No 0808 164 2005 (weekdays 10am – 6pm) website: www.future-pathways.co.uk
National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC): offers advice and referral to support services. Support line: 0808 801 0331 (Mon- Thurs 10am – 9pm, Fri 10am – 6pm)
Trauma Counselling Line Scotland: confidential telephone counselling. Tel No 08088 020 406 (Mon- Wed 2 – 6pm, Fri 9M – 3PM) WEBSITE: WWW.HEALTH-IN-MIND.ORG.UK
Speak Out Scotland: support services for male survivors in Glasgow. Tel No. 0141 332 9326 website: www.speakoutscotland.org
Local Support Groups
Western Isles Rape Crisis Centre
Helpline/Support: 01851 709 965
Office: 01851 709 965, info@wircc.org.uk, www.wircc.co.uk
Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland (RASASH)
Helpline/Support: 03330 066 909, Text: 07451 288 080, support@rasash.org.uk
Office: 01463 257 657, info@rasash.org.uk, www.rasash.org.uk
Argyll & Bute Rape Crisis Centre
Helpline/Support: 0800 121 4685; support@ab-rs.org.uk
Office 01369 700 800, info@ab-rc.org.uk, www.ab-rc.org.uk
General Organisations
NSPCC: provides advice and information Helpline: 0808 800 5000 www.nspcc.org.uk
Stop It Now! Offers services around support and prevention. Tel No 0131 556 3535 email: scotland@stopitnow.org.uk “
Rape Crisis: offers services to anyone effected by sexual violence
Local: Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis Centre: services include telephone support, face-to-face support, letter and email support, group work and instant messaging support. Tel No 08088 00 00 14 website: www.glasgowclyderapecrisis.org.uk
National: Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline: 08088 01 03 02 (7 days 6pm – midnight) www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk