YOU MATTER

Operation Beaconport Support


What is Operation Beaconport?

Operation Beaconport is a national programme led by the National Crime Agency (NCA). It aims to make sure past cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation were handled thoroughly and fairly.


Police are reviewing some cases reported between January 2010 and March 2025 where:

  • Sexual abuse was reported
  • More than one person was suspected
  • No further action was taken at the time
  • The case involved one or more victims and contact offences
  • The suspects are not known to have died
  • The case has not already been independently reviewed


This review looks at whether anything may have been missed and if there are now opportunities to take further action.

You Matter

You Matter, delivered by Family Matters, provides specialist support for victims and survivors of group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse whose cases have been reopened through Operation Beaconport.


If you have been contacted about something that happened in the past, or have been told that a previous investigation has been reopened, you may be experiencing difficult thoughts, feelings or memories.


You do not have to deal with everything on your own. There is no pressure to talk about what happened before you feel ready. You Matter is here to support you at a pace that feels right for you.


Why am I being offered support?

You may have been offered support because you could be eligible for the You Matter service.

Our support is completely independent from the police and the criminal justice process. We are not involved in investigating your case. Our role is to support you. You can choose how much support you want and what you would like help with.

How can You Matter support me?

Support will be based around what you need and what feels right for you. This may include:

  • Emotional and practical support
  • Advice and guidance about sexual violence and its impact
  • Help understanding what is happening and navigating the criminal justice process
  • Support communicating with the police and other organisations
  • Help with safety or safeguarding concerns
  • Referrals to other services, including health and wellbeing services
  • Access to specialist therapy where appropriate


We will work with you at a pace that feels right for you.

 

You are in control

When you receive support from You Matter, you can expect us to:

  • Listen to you without judgement
  • Treat you with dignity and respect
  • Protect your privacy and explain clearly how we use your information
  • Help make sure your views and wishes are heard
  • Provide clear information about your options and rights
  • Support you without being part of the police investigation or criminal justice process
  • Work with other organisations, with your permission, so that wherever possible you do not have to keep repeating what happened to you


You decide how much support you want from You Matter. You can stop receiving support at any time. If you change your mind or your circumstances change, you can contact us again in the future.


There is no pressure to talk before you feel ready.


How might I be feeling?

Being contacted about something that happened in the past can affect people in many different ways. You might experience:

  • Disbelief or shock
  • Anxiety, anger or low mood
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Intrusive thoughts or memories
  • Changes to sleep or appetite
  • Feeling unsafe or disconnected from other people
  • Guilt or self-blame
  • A sense of having lost control


There is no single “right” way to react. You may have good days and bad days, and your feelings may change over time.


Whatever you are feeling, You Matter is here to support you.

 

Support for everyone

You Matter supports people from all backgrounds. Support is available regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, disability or sexuality. We will work with you to understand your individual needs and tailor our support wherever possible. Information about You Matter can be translated through our website.

 

Contact You Matter

If you would like to find out more or talk to someone about the support available, you can contact the You Matter team.


Phone: 01474 536 661 - when you call, ask for the You Matter team.

Email: beaconport@familymattersuk.org


Support can be provided face to face, online or by telephone, depending on your needs and preferences.


You can contact us even if you did not feel ready for support when it was first offered.


You Matter, delivered by Family Matters