Hi I am Ryan Gadsby – The founder of ‘The Edge Of The Bed’ community and the driver of this initiative.

Here's my story…

At the age of eight, I faced the unthinkable when my stepfather began sexually abusing me. He had become a part of our family through connections at a local church and swiftly assumed a dominant role in our home.

I didn’t understand that what was happening was wrong until I got older, he would tell me things such as '‘This is what dads do – we need to keep it private…’'

As I got older at around age 12- 13/14 the abuse began to fade out and I also began to realise what my stepdad was doing to me was wrong. During this period, his abuse morphed into physical and emotional intimidation aimed at silencing me.

I became scared for my life many times, I eventually spoke out at age 16 after a near suicide. My abuser was under investigation and later ended his own life before he went to prison for what he did.

I began my activism work 3 years ago. I have always wanted to use my story for change and positive outcomes. This is why I am working towards creating this initiative….

Our Mission:

• At Prevention Pathways, we aim to provide in-school educational support to children who have experienced trauma, ensuring they have equitable educational opportunities.

• Abused children often face significant educational disadvantages, such as lower academic performance and higher absenteeism rates. Our mission is to bridge this gap, offering the targeted support these children desperately need.

• We're also committed to empowering educators and youth workers through our survivor-led training program, 'Be Abuse Aware'. This initiative provides a nuanced understanding of abuse and its often subtle signs. I co-present this program with Mike North, my former youth worker, who brings his extensive experience working with children and young people and stands as a testament to the potential missed signs and the opportunity for change within professional circles.

Why We Need Your Support:

Launching and sustaining an initiative like Prevention Pathways requires your support.

Your contributions will fund:

• Development and Distribution of Educational Materials: Crafting comprehensive guides and training modules for educators and youth workers.

• Facilitation of Training Sessions: 
Covering costs for venues, materials, and speakers for our impactful 'Be Abuse aware’ program.

Support for In-School Programs:

• This will help us establish and Provide necessary resources and tools to schools in Doncaster, Sheffield, and Rotherham, directly addressing the educational needs of abused children.

• Awareness Campaigns: Funding vital campaigns to raise awareness about child abuse's impact on education and the importance of our mission.

Where your money goes...

£10 Contribution: This amount can sponsor a teacher, children’s worker, or youth worker to participate in our comprehensive training programme ‘ Be abuse aware’. Your donation at this level equips one more guardian with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify and respond to signs of abuse, potentially safeguarding hundreds of children.

£50 Contribution: With £50, we can develop and distribute vital resources aimed at preventing abuse. These resources serve as essential guides for educators and caregivers, laying the groundwork for a safer environment for thousands of children. Your support at this level amplifies our reach, ensuring that knowledge and prevention strategies are accessible to a broader audience.

£100 Contribution: This generous donation enables us to deliver a half-day training session for up to 10 teachers, children’s workers, or youth workers. Such training sessions are crucial, providing in-depth knowledge and actionable strategies to those on the front lines of child protection. Your contribution at this level means thousands of children can benefit from enhanced protection and support thanks to well-informed and empowered professionals.

Join Our Movement:

By supporting Prevention Pathways, you're not just donating; you're joining a movement determined to reshape the future for children who have suffered from abuse. Your support will directly enhance the lives of these children, offering them hope, support, and opportunities for a brighter future.

Every contribution, no matter the size, propels us forward. Share our story, spread the word about our mission, and stand with us as we forge pathways to prevention, protection, and empowerment.

Hear from some of our participants in the ' Be Abuse Aware' trial sessions conducted with youth workers from Sheffield...

A Heartfelt Thank You:

Your support is invaluable to us and to every child and educator who will benefit from our work. Together, we can turn stories of survival into narratives of empowerment and change.

With the deepest gratitude,

Ryan Gadsby & Mike North