Help us to create happier childhoods

survivorscanshine.org.uk 

No child should suffer in silence, support our vital work.

 

Survivors Can Shine is a non-profit organisation working to raise awareness of the realities and prevalence of child abuse. Our programme equips children and young people with the tools, knowledge and strategies they need to keep themselves safe, and create solid foundations to thrive. We provide a platform for young people to speak out, celebrating and amplifying their voices. They build resilience, feel supported and empowered to overcome adversity and become Ambassadors for Change.

 

We are raising funds to continue developing our "I Shine, Speak Out" programme to roll out in schools and community groups to ensure that it is accessible to every child.

 

Our core aims are to develop young people’s empathy and understanding, lift the taboo on speaking about abuse and break the silence that abusers rely on. With our trauma-informed, psycho-social programme of activities and events, Survivors Can Shine works to connect and inspire young people. We maximise their engagement through creative arts, such as poetry, spoken word, rap, lyric writing and performance. Young people are able to express themselves, showcasing their creative work, highlighting their knowledge, individual development and collective strength.

 

Our “I Shine, Speak Out” public safety awareness campaign is a continuous programme that spreads young people’s empowering messages and safeguarding quotes throughout the community, promoting international togetherness and the need to unite communities in recognition of children's rights to a safe and happy childhood.

 

By supporting young people at risk through our programme, we equip them with the coping strategies they need to take control of their lives. Working together, gaining skills, confidence, empathy and understanding enables them to create social change, become strong role models and effective mentors disseminating guidance, direction and inspiration to their peers. Through this leadership dimension to the programme, young people learn to build their self-esteem and recognise the value of their own worth, giving them a sense of healing and belonging.

 

Funding will help Survivors Can Shine to:

• run our training for volunteers and facilitators to deliver the “I Shine, Speak Out” programme to children and young people

• employment support and first-time opportunities for young people as we train them to become facilitators and Ambassadors for Change

• develop trauma-informed workshops for teachers, parents, carers and the wider community

• ensure that every child has access to the programme and the support they need

• organise community events to bring communities together and  promote children’s welfare

• increase the number of trauma-informed staff in sessions and events to enable additional pastoral support for young people dealing with trauma and other complex issues

• develop a referral programme and bridging the gap by providing vital support for children and young people on waiting lists

• develop educational resources and workshop programmes

• integrate Survivors Can Shine safeguarding programme into schools' curriculum, including SEN and PRU schools, community centres throughout the UK, care system, youth crime prevention programmes

• create multimedia materials to support the programme

• develop promotional materials

• continue vital outreach work for children, families and young people

 

 

DID YOU KNOW?

Unresolved trauma will manifest itself in some way later in life. Through our project we engender positive change in young people’s lives, facilitating the learning of skills to navigate the difficulties that stem from adverse childhood experiences.

 

1 in 4 children suffer abuse. Abuse causes Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ACEs has a significant impact on both mental and physical health increasing the risk of violence, chronic health problems, mental ill health and substance abuse. It more than doubles the risk of having no educational qualifications and a greater risk of unemployment, limiting life opportunities and positive outcomes for young people.

 

There is extensive evidence that early intervention and provision of supportive structures can mitigate the impact of adverse childhood experiences with the positive consequence of improving social, emotional and educational attainment, building psychosocial resilience.

 

Our Founder

Rosa de Guero is the founder of Survivors Can Shine. She grew up in an abusive environment, abused by her primary caregiver. Aged fourteen, Rosa ran away from home to escape her abuser. She thought the worst was behind her, but did not know that you cannot hide from trauma. This led her down endless paths of self-destruction as she attempted to suppress the painful memories. Without guidance, support and understanding, she was left to navigate a path through life on her own. Rosa was determined to create positive change from her lived experiences. Through her work with young people, a need was recognised for open conversation and opportunities for their voices to be heard. When given a platform to speak out, share thoughts or ask questions, young people gained confidence and through supportive responses, realised they were not alone. Rosa established Survivors Can Shine in 2019 to ensure that no child is left without a voice.