The following local and national organisations offer help and support to survivors of in-care abuse.
Further information
Here are links to other sources of support.
Redress Support Service
The service delivers trauma-informed, emotional and practical support to applicants during the application process to Scotland's Redress Scheme. A team of link workers provide tailored support to individuals. Access to the Redress Support Service is by referral by case workers at Scotland’s Redress Scheme.
Emotional support for applicants to Scotland’s Redress Scheme
If you’re going through the application process for redress and would like to speak to someone about how you are feeling, the Emotional Support Helpline is here for you: 0800 211 8403
The Helpline can also support you if you are thinking about applying for redress but haven’t made the application yet.
Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry
Looking at the abuse of children in care. If you wish to share evidence about abuse which took place you can find details of how to contact the Inquiry team on their website.
Scottish Government – Survivor Support Team
The Scottish Government’s Survivor Support Team give policy advice regarding people harmed by child abuse in Scotland.
National Confidential Forum
The forum listens to people who were in institutional care in Scotland as children, whatever they were. If you would like to share your experience with the Forum you can find contact details on their website.
CELCIS – Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland
CELCIS have taken a lead role in facilitating survivors’ involvement in consultations on the Scottish Government’s response to in-care abuse.
Other sources of support
The Samaritans
We offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal.
Breathing Space
Breathing Space complements the work of other phone-lines and agencies which are endeavouring to reduce suicide rates in Scotland.
AMIS (Abused Men in Scotland)
AMIS is a national charity which offers support to male victims of domestic abuse aged 16 and over throughout Scotland, including an email and telephone support helpline offering emotional and advocacy support, as well as face to face support in the Edinburgh area and safe accommodation in the Falkirk area.
NHS 24
The NHS 24 111 service provides urgent health advice out of hours. It’s sometimes referred to as ‘unscheduled care services’. This means that the service is there for you, in the out of hours period when other sources of support such as your doctor or dentist are closed.
Life Changes Trust
Life Changes Trust’s Care Experienced Young People Programme is committed to giving young people with care experience a voice, so that they can influence change. They fund a variety of projects aimed at improving the lives of care experienced young people.
NAPAC
NAPAC (The National Association for People Abused in Childhood) is a UK charity which offers support to adults who have suffered any type of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect. Support line: 0808 801 0331, free from landlines and mobiles and totally confidential.
ScotsCare
ScotsCare helps Scots and the children of Scots living within 35 miles of Charing Cross in London. They offer a comprehensive range of services including social services, advocacy, psychotherapy, help with substance abuse, debt managements, job seeking assistance, sheltered housing, social events and volunteer opportunities.
VOX (Voices of eXperience)
VOX is Scotland’s national voice on mental health. They represent members’ views to Scotland’s politicians and health professionals to ensure laws and mental health services reflect their needs and interests. If you have a lived experience of mental illness, you can join VOX to start shaping the mental health agenda.