Good Causes: Survivors of Abuse charity in Bromley

Our latest profile is on Survivors of Abuse (SOB) - a charity based in Bromley.

It was set up by Chris Tuck, who is a survivor of childhood abuse and neglect.

What work does the charity do?

We empower adult victims and survivors of abuse - mental abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect and transform their lives through the groundbreaking, bespoke, trauma-informed Living Therapy Programme.

We work with victims and survivors in groups or on a one-to-one basis. We raise awareness and educate professionals, the government and public about the mental and physical health impacts of trauma and the long-term costs to society in addressing this public health issue.

READ ALSO: GOOD CAUSES: Homeless charity 999 Club in Deptford

How long has it been running and how many people are involved?

SOB gained full charity status in April 2016. It has four trustees currently with another coming on board and three ambassadors.

We are looking for trustees who feel that can help implement the vision of SOB and we are always looking for fundraisers so that we can continue with the charity's work.

How many survivors have you helped?

SOB helps survivors and their families on a daily basis.

Founder Chris Tuck is a consultant to the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse and over the years has worked with many stakeholders in the sexual abuse and sexual violence sector.

Chris has either networked, campaigned, lobbied and / or worked with organisations by sharing her own lived experiences or by sharing the voices of many other victims and survivors with their permission.

The biggest pressure facing the charity?

The biggest pressure facing any charity is the ability to fund and sustain delivery of their services.

Generally big organisations can access funding more easily than fledgling charities like SOB. However, funding is often short-term in nature and changes dependant on the latest hot potato being spoken about in the media.

Funding is a very competitive arena and many charities that start with good intentions have to close their doors due to lack of sustainable funding.

Finding a funding pot to apply for and filling in a bid is an art form in itself. It's time-consuming and often there is no guarantee that you will be successful.

When you are trying to get a charity off the ground and deliver the services yourself you do not have time or the skillset to do everything that needs to be done.

The most rewarding thing about being involved with the charity?

Empowering, supporting and transforming survivors’ lives. Chris Tuck the founder has been on her own journey of recovery and through this journey has created the C.L.E.A.N.E.R Living Therapy Programme which has helped many to overcome being stuck in their trauma, has given them hope, improved their health and their lives.

How can people support you work?

SOB is looking for a patron that is passionate about its vision and can help drive the charity forwards.

People can become a trustee of SOB by offering their skills to help deliver the work of the charity. We are especially looking for a fundraiser and admin skills.

By volunteering and raising awareness and funds for SOB which will enable us to do our work.

We have a five-year plan that involves training up fitness professionals who are survivors themselves to deliver the SOB programmes and then training up survivors who have been through the programmes to become fitness professionals and deliver SOB programmes nationwide.

Do you know a charity or are you involved in a local charity that deserves some recognition for the work it's doing? We want to highlight organisations like this in Good Causes, so get in touch at liam.mcinerney@london.newsquest.co.uk