ACTS FAST receives funding for its unique work supporting parents and carers impacted by child sexual abuse across the South West of England

ACTS FAST has received funding from the South West Regional Improvement and Innovation Alliance (www.swriia.org.uk) to support clients across the South West impacted by child sexual abuse.

The Centre of Expertise for Child Sexual Abuse (www.csacentre.org) estimate that 500,000 children will experience some form of sexual abuse every year in England and Wales, that’s 1300 children each day. By supporting parents through their free, 10 week, one to one support programme ACTS FAST helps families to create a stable foundation where they can rebuild and reduce the impact of child sexual abuse on their children, their families and wider society.

The Centre for Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse has found that sexually abused children whose parent(s) support and believe them have the potential to lead as healthy a life as those who have never experienced abuse.

ACTS FAST supports the non-abusive parents and carers of children who have suffered child sexual abuse. The charity also supports parents and carers who are co-parenting with someone who has been arrested for online child sexual abuse offences. By supporting parents, the secondary victims, the charity is helping parents support their children, allowing families to heal and lessening the impact of sexual harm on society and future generations. 

Since July 2025 the charity has had to close its client work as funding has been difficult to secure but SWRIIA’s funding will enable the charity to start providing its vital support again across the South West of England in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset and Gloucester.

Simone Gosden CEO at ACTS FAST said

‘We are delighted to be partnering with SW RIIA to ensure families in the South West receive our support. Our clients tell us that they often feel overlooked and forgotten by mainstream services. After a very challenging year in terms of funding I was fearful that we wouldn’t be able to meet this need so this project means a lot not just to our clients but to the whole ACTS FAST team. We are passionate about this work because we know that with the right support parents can create a stable foundation and lead their families recovery. Our services are available online, face to face or via the phone. If you think you or someone you know might benefit from the service I would encourage you to visit our website for more information’.

Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Wiltshire Council Children’s Services, said: “This initiative represents an important step in supporting parents and carers across Wiltshire and the wider south west and ensuring they receive the support they need through this 10-week programme. I look forward to hearing more about the work as it’s rolled out in Wiltshire.”