Hello You 96: 'Every time it was the last time ... until it wasn't'

Content/trigger warnings: rape, sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, suicide, self-harm ‘As soon as you open the door, you’re in danger’At eighteen years old, Kate Elysia fell victim to Telford’s gang of sex abusers. But how? And what happened afterwards?‘They were telling me it was my fault’Kate’s now in her thirties. She’s back in Telford after many years away, working in mental health.‘I feel that I have recovered and that I’m doing very well considering what I’ve been through. I just hope for that for everyone else.’Kate tells her full story in this episode of Hello You the Shropshire podcast.‘I thought I’d be dead way before 30’The debate about grooming gangs - group-based sexual offending - continues. Kate’s story can inform that debate. Some of her story changed my mind on part of the issue. How will you feel about it? Comment, and share this episode with others? Sources of supportKate’s given me these contact details for organisations who could help support you or someone you know whose life has been touched by the issues we’ve talked about:Child and Adult Safeguarding in Telford If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or in an emergency call 999.You can now report CSE for anyone 19 years or under to Telford Family Connect:If you have concerns about the welfare of a child in Telford please contact Telford Family ConnectEmail: [email protected], mobile: 07537 453177 (text back service), phone: 01952 385385Telford Counselling and Support Services for Sexual AbuseAxis Counselling and ISVA Service Supporting Survivors of Sexual Abuse Phone: 01743 357777 (for Shropshire), 01952 278000 (for Telford & Wrekin), email: [email protected] Holly Project is a free, independent support service for the survivors of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and their families, run by CSE Survivors Phone: 01952 947 831, email: [email protected] or on FacebookMental Health Support in Telford and elsewhere:In an Emergency call 999Urgent Advice for Mental Health: NHS 111 opt 2 Non Urgent: You can ask your GP service what support they have for mental health or make an appointmentFree NHS Shropshire Telford and Wrekin Talking Therapy Service (STWTT)You can self refer on their website, by phone 0300 123 6020 or email: [email protected] Mind: offers counselling, listening support service and morePhone: (07434) 869248, email: [email protected] TACT (Telford After Care Team) offer support with mental health, drop in counselling and activities service, support for people with substance misuseSupport as a victim of Exploitation / Modern SlaveryAs a victim, or survivor, of sexual exploitation, no matter how long it has been since it happened to you, you may still may be entitled to some form of mental health support, financial subsistence, compensation or other entitlements through the ‘National Referral Mechanism’ (NRM). The NRM requires you to share some evidence of your exploitation. The NRM can be beneficial where you receive a positive decision, but there may be some cases where a negative decision affects immigration or criminal justice proceedings. It is important to get advice on the NRM and check if the process is right for you.The following modern slavery charities can support you at various stages of the NRM, and some may be able to talk through options with you:Salvation Army runs a confidential helpline for potential victim-survivors open 24/7 (0800 808 3733), and offers modern slavery support which can include legal advice, healthcare, educational opportunities, financial help and employment/training supportAnti-Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit offers legal advice for non-recent and recent survivors of exploitation where a case can be opened under legal aidHope for Justice offers specialist advice, advocacy and signposting on modern slavery survivor care for survivors and professionalsModern slavery and exploitation helpline: The charity Unseen runs a 24/7 helpline offering information, advice, and guidance on modern slavery and exploitation. Phone: 08000 121 700If you suspect a child is being sexually abused or exploited, you can access advice through the NSPCC’s voice helpline (0808 800 5000)If you are 17 years old or younger and you suspect you are being abused, contact Childline. Call them for free (0800 1111), email them, or send a web form for advice. They also provide a webchat for one-to-one counselling onlineVictim Support offers practical and emotional support for victims of crime online and via 24/7 supportline (08 08 16 89 111), and can provide support in court proceedings for survivors in need of a Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)Rape Crisis England & Wales runs a 24/7 support line (0808 500 2222) and provides longer-term support for women who have experienced sexual violence (including child sexual exploitation and abuse)Survivors UK supports male and non-binary victims of sexual violence through practical and emotional support, and runs a helpline (020 3322 1860) open 12-8pm, for both adults and young people Half-price subscription offer … update!You can now take out a paid subscription to Hello You the Shropshire podcast for half price, as long as you do so before Friday, April 4th!Click here click here click here and if you want to share this with your friends and family, there’s a new easy-to-remember URL: just send people to https://jimallthetime.substack.com/extendedoffer Thank you for being a member of the Hello You familyIt means a lot that you’re there, supporting my work. If you like Hello You, share it with your friends and family? Take care of yourselfTake care of the people around you, and I hope they’re taking good care of you, too. Hello You - the Shropshire podcast from Jim Hawkins is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jimallthetime.substack.com/subscribe