Children & Young People

Government figures show that 21% of girls and 11% of boys will have experienced some form of child sex abuse by the time they become an adult.*

Axis provides a specialist service for children and young people aged 5-18. We recognise the difficulty for some children and young people who find it difficult to put into words the discomfort of the trauma that they have suffered. Our specially selected counsellors have experience in working with children and young people.

We take referrals from schools, youth organisations, GPs and self-referrals.

Our service is confidential. However, parents can be involved – and are involved if we feel the child is at risk. We encourage parents to bring young people to the Axis service, but we do not feel it is appropriate for the parent to engage in the child’s counselling.

We create a safe and secure atmosphere for children and young people to be counselled in a one-to-one situation. It is important for trust to be built between the counsellor and child.

Should the child/young person need extra support our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors can help.

We try to work around school hours. Appointments at the end of the day are often reserved for young people of school age. It is in the interest of the young person to return home after an appointment rather than go back to school.

We can write a letter to the school letting them know that you are attending appointments, if you wish.