About Us

If you have been subjected to sexual abuse and rape, one of your biggest challenges will be taking the decision to talk to someone. At Family Matters we know this can seem an enormous and daunting step.

Established in 1990, we are a specialised charitable service and the largest provider of childhood sexual abuse and rape therapy in the country.

Our work extends across 14 boroughs in Kent, Surrey and South East London and we help over 4000 people each year, so we know about the isolation, we understand the loneliness and we have the knowledge and expertise to help.

Anxiety and fear are among the most common emotions experienced by the abused. But these feelings do become easier and people can, and do, successfully go on to explore their past and its links with today in making sense of recurring problems.

Family Matters achieves this through a number of ways but always with sensitivity and by providing access to a team of qualified and highly experienced counsellors.

Throughout, our aim is:

• To provide a safe and confidential environment in which to explore the thoughts, feelings and behaviour affecting your life.
• To listen, offer support and help as you find a way through some of the difficulties you are experiencing and how they impact on your well being.
• To help reduce the mental and physical distress you may be experiencing.
• To assist those faced with inflicting self harm or suicidal thoughts.
• To guide you through a period of change, during which we will help you grow and replace old behaviour with new ways of thinking and self-discovery.

The Family Matters counselling practice is supported by qualified professionals - specialists in the areas of childhood sexual abuse and rape. They are trained across a wide range of issues and disciplines to help those affected address their fears and identify a clear path towards resolution and healing.

Our expertise is wide-ranging and covers physical abuse, depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress, child protection, trauma, bereavement, self-esteem issues, and anger management. And we also address how being vulnerable impacts on work related problems, sexuality issues and - where appropriate - related drug and alcohol problems.

Delivering specialist counselling services for children and adult survivors of sexual abuse and rape:

• Confidential telephone helpline
• Face-to-face counselling
• Advice and support

and workshops and training for:

• Placement counsellors
• Professionals
• Voluntary organisations