Unify Southend on Sea is a new charity devised in the borough to work therapeutically with children that have suffered significant trauma. Trauma can take many forms; sexual abuse, explotation, physical assault, abuse, bereavement and loss, neglect to name a few.

Just because children do not meet requirements for statutory interventions, that does not mean children who have suffered trauma should be forgotten.

Through working in the charitable sector and statutory services we recognise there to be a gap in how we serve young people as a borough.

Trauma based interventions for children in Southend is something that is lacking; this is a disservice to children and something at Unify we are passionate about changing. Children have the right to a voice, work through their feelings and make sense of what has happened to them. Research shows us that if children suffer unresolved traumatic childhoods this can lead to the abused becoming the abuser, depression, self harming and even suicide.

We at Unify wish to break cycles of abuse, to ensure the innocence of children is protected and enable children to make sense of their experiences then move on with their lives.

We are asking for £3,000 to pay for the use of a community hall in Westcliff-on-Sea. This will be for two hour slots, three times a week to begin.

I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to read my letter and the potential support you are showing us.