Helping ten victims of childhood abuse in London

This is the third report on Aurora's Crowdfunding Campaign which we carried out in 2015.  The initial campaign aimed to raise funds so we could offer free/low cost counselling for up to 5 people abused in childhood, and since then we have extended it so we can help up to 10 people. To date, your donations have helped 5 people who have received a total of 77 counselling sessions. 

Below are testimonials from two clients.  The first is from Julie who featured in the orginal appeal film.

I am so touched by the generosity of people. It’s strange for me to be considered for help at Aurora and it’s always surprising when such kindness is shown to me, I feel touched and full of gratitude. 

I'd like to say a HUGE thank you to those people who have contributed to Aurora. They have enabled me to have a place to go to continue my journey to wholeness. I am discovering my joy and hope in life.  It makes such a profound difference to know there is a loving, supportive place at Aurora for me and for others who also need a warm place to be cared for. I simply feel grateful.

Julie

The second is from the mother of John who himself gave a testimonial in the previous report.

I am John’s mum and I would just like to say a big thank you for all the help you have given my son over the last few months. He was in a really bad way when he first started coming to you and I was so worried about him.

Since attending your sessions he has become more confident and is beginning to show progress.  I know he still has a long way to go but I know with your help he will get there. Thank you so much for giving me my son back and helping him be able to live again. Your organisation is a fantastic place and without you I can't imagine where John and people like him would be.

A video to accompany this report has also been produced that also details the progress of John and Julie.

Once again, many thanks to all who have donated to Aurora. Your money has helped Julie and John, and benefitted three other clients.  We still aim to reach our new target of £10000 so please forward this report to others who you feel may be able to help.

Thank you.

Nick

Links:

• Video update on progress of two clients

The aim of Aurora's Crowdfunding Campaign was to raise funds so we could provide free or subsidised counselling  for people abused in childhood. The money you have kindly donated to this cause has enabled us to now provide support for three people, and one of them wants to say:

Hi there my name is “John”.  I have been coming to Aurora for nearly four months now and I have come on so well.  I was abused as a child and I was in such a bad place before so my GP gave Aurora’s details and I contacted them.  I have never looked back.  It’s such a great place to go and talk and the help you get is outstanding.  Even when I still have bad days I can call and have a chat to one of the team which always seems to help.  

There is no way I could do this without the funding because I can’t afford to pay for my help, I am on a low wage and when I’m sick from work I don’t get paid.  Although this is not as regular as it once was I still have bad days and I just can’t work.  I would like to thank you all very much for the funding.

The counselling offered at Aurora is "open-ended" and clients get support for as long as they need it. The abuse suffered by many victims of childhood abuse means the support has to be long term to help them to sufficiently recover so they can lead more fulfilling lives.  

The donations given so generously by you have enabled "John" to get the counselling he couldn't have received without your help, but we do need more funding so we can help him continue counselling for as long as he needs it.  If you can, please forward this to others who might be able to support "John". 

One other thing to mention, the "Song for Aurora" that accompanied Aurora's Crowdfunding Campaign (i.e. You've Got a Friend) is being covered by the "Aurora Chorus" a new singing group made up of Aurora clients and team members.  We will be recording the song sometime in the New Year so watch this space!

Thank you.