Introduction

A few years ago, Aurora was awarded multi-year grant funding, but it ends this summer. Without further funding we will be left with a shortfall meaning that many of our current clients will have to end therapy as we will no longer be able to offer them subsidised counselling.

We are busily trying to obtain more grant funding, but success is not guaranteed and we are aiming to raise money by fundraising so we can continue to offer low cost counselling. Raising money this way will also mean we are not so reliant on grant funding.

Our Campaign

This campaign highlights the plight of two of our clients. The video shows the difficulty they both experience and some of the material may be distressing.

James and Julie are victims of childhood sexual abuse. They suffer from anxiety and depression making it very difficult for them to hold down jobs.There are no free specialist services in London to help them so they have to find the money themselves to get support. They began counselling at the Aurora Foundation, but had to stop as they could no longer afford to pay for sessions. This project provides the means for them and eight other victims to get the help they desperately need.

The Long-Term Impact of Abuse

The effects of childhood abuse can be profound and long lasting. Many victims suffer depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and may have difficulty sustaining employment or forming relationships leading to loneliness and isolation.

Victims can also experience addiction, self harm or attempted suicide. Many do succeed in ending their lives as they see that is the only way out of their pain. Recent research by the NSPCC indicates that 1 in 4 young people have experienced abuse.

As the issues for victims are so deep and distressing the therapeutic work is delicate, painstaking and often prolonged. Therapists at Aurora are highly skilled and experienced health professionals - some are themselves survivors of abuse or come from families where abuse occurred - enabling a true understanding of the issues facing clients.

Our Solution

Aurora exists to help adults who were abused in childhood. Working from premises in south west London, we provide specialist counselling and group support services. Unlike other agencies, Aurora provides 'Therapeutic Community" care, where, in addition to personal counselling, we encourage development of social relationships via support groups and social events.

This project will help 10 people, but we see it as a springboard for further financial support so we can help more victims.

Resources

Aurora's Website

Song for Aurora in support of the campaign (sung by Susannah Faithfull, Aurora's Founder)