CCPAS Press Release

26th October 2004

CCPAS MAKES 'HELP' MORE ACCESSIBLE TO THOSE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED ABUSE

A fresh initiative which aims to tackle the cloak of secrecy that often surrounds abuse among Christians will be launched today at Midlands Christian Resources Exhibition [CRE] by the Churches Child Protection Advisory Service [CCPAS]. HELP is a series of materials for individuals as well as use by churches and other Christian organisations that addresses issues of faith and spirituality, an area especially relevant to Christians.

The HELP initiative, is aimed not just at the growing numbers of Christians who acknowledge they have been abused themselves but also those who have experienced the effects of abuse as either a parent, or a friend of someone that has been abused. HELP comprises of a series of booklets such as ‘Help…my child's been abused – now what?' and ‘Help…I need someone to talk to' (for teenagers). The materials have been produced in an effort to break down the barriers of secrecy and guilt that often surround abuse. Further instalments in the series yet to be published will include materials designed specifically for children of all ages.

David Pearson, Director of CCPAS, said “Too often Christians are inclined to address the issue of abuse ‘in-house' with little reference to Social Services and other professional agencies. Through this series we aim to improve understanding of the effects of abuse and dispel some of the fears that exist which can hinder healing and recovery.”

The HELP materials particularly encourage responses in line with good child protection practice. “At CCPAS we know from years of working with adult survivors of child sex abuse that where children are listened to and where justice is seen to be done, long term damage is kept to a minimum“, explained Pearson.

Each booklet has been prepared by experienced members of the CCPAS team but also includes input and comments from individuals who have first hand experience of the issues. In addition to the series of booklets, HELP will encompass a media campaign focused on Christian media and make all the materials available through its website [www.ccpas.co.uk].

Free copies of the booklet will be available from CCPAS stand at the Midlands Christian Resources Exhibition, from 27-29 October at National Exhibition Centre [NEC] in Birmingham .

For more information or free samples of the new pocket guide people should send a SAE to CCPAS at PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7UQ, or telephone the office on 0845 120 4550. Enquiries:

Allen Moxham EA Media Consultancy 020 7207 2154 or 07747566596 www.media-consultancy.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

CCPAS is an independent Christian charity providing professional child protection advice and support to churches and organisations in the UK

CCPAS was established in 1977. It assists churches, organisations, social services and other child care agencies as well as individual children and families by:

 helping churches and other organisations adopt safe practices in order to protect children from abuse - and youth workers from the possibility of false allegations  advising on individual cases, giving ongoing help to leaders and others. CCPAS has a helpline - 0845 120 4550 - with an out of hours office service  training across the UK and providing "in-house" training and other resources  acting as external consultants to denominational/organisational child protection advisors  counselling individual adults or children about past or present instances of abuse.