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Hello You 96: 'Every time it was the last time ... until it wasn't'
Description
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 support
Kate’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 Connect
Email: familyconnect@telford.gov.uk, mobile: 07537 453177 (text back service), phone: 01952 385385
Telford Counselling and Support Services for Sexual Abuse
Axis Counselling and ISVA Service Supporting Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Phone: 01743 357777 (for Shropshire), 01952 278000 (for Telford & Wrekin), email: counselling@axiscounselling.org.uk
The 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: info@hollyproject.org or on Facebook
Mental 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: stwtt@mpft.nhs.uk
Telford Mind: offers counselling, listening support service and morePhone: (07434) 869248, email: talk2@telford-mind.co.uk
TACT (Telford After Care Team) offer support with mental health, drop in counselling and activities service, support for people with substance misuse
Support as a victim of Exploitation / Modern Slavery
As 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 subsi