On the 19th of March 2016 Voicing CSA held a survivor meeting at the New Basford Community Centre in Nottingham.

It was rewarding that the meeting was full. Standing room only at times. Although a reminder of how much work there is to do around survivor to survivor support and the need to continue to raise awareness around childhood sexual abuse and childhood sexual exploitation.

It was especially rewarding that a number of people attended who felt able to face and address their experiences for the first time.

The meeting, as ever, was very fluid and interactive. A very inclusive environment into which everyone was welcomed.

There were ten main speakers, including our directors, Phil Lafferty and Nigel Thompson. Also the peerless Nigel O’Mara, Mandy Coupland, Mickey Summers, Annamarie Cope, Sheila Norton, Kaz Gray, Josephine Armatrading and a statement from Joan Cameron-Blair read by her sister Josie Bemrose. You can watch and hear what they had to say below.

You can also visiting our video album for the meeting. Videos of more speakers will be added in the coming days, and this news item will updated accordingly.

We would like to thank them for their contributions. It was fantastic to hear the great work they are doing locally, regionally and nationally to help survivors and to raise awareness around these issues.

The education and awareness campaigns that support groups are running for GPs was a particular focus, in which the signs of abuse and exploitation are explained, both in adult survivors and children.

Improving awareness and training in Medical Schools is something we would like to see; and hope something that the IICSA (Goddard Inquiry) will ultimately recommend.

After the main speeches, several people asked if they could address the meeting, which of course they were able to do. We would like to thank them for their courage and strength.

We would like to thank also, the generosity of the Nottingham community for their much appreciated donation of £73.83 raised by contributions to the lunch buffet costs for Voicing CSA. It was unexpected and a testament to the sincerity of their support.

As ever, an emotionally charged day, but from which many people have benefited.