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:
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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.