South West London CYP Support Hub

Rape Crisis South London is delivering specialist services for children and young people from April 2026 to March 2027, supported by the NHS South West London ICB.

This hub offers trauma-informed support for children and young people who have experienced or been affected by child sexual abuse, sexual violence, exploitation or related trauma.

We work with trusted specialist services to support children and young people aged 4 to 18, and up to 25 for those with additional needs or disabilities, who live, study or are under the care of services in Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton or Wandsworth.

If you need urgent help right now: this service is not a crisis service. If there's an immediate risk of serious harm, an urgent safeguarding concern, acute mental health crisis, or immediate suicidal intent, contact emergency services, CAMHS crisis services, social care, police or health services directly. You can also reach our 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line.

If you live outside these boroughs, you may still be able to access support through our wider Children, Young People & Families service, depending on eligibility.

what we offer

We'll provide support directly where we can. Where we can't, we'll talk with a partner organisation so the young person still gets the right help.

  • (age 4–18). Short-term, child-led support to help children and young people feel heard, understand their needs, and access the right support around them. This can include emotional check-ins, practical advocacy, safety planning, help with referrals, and liaison with schools, social workers, police or health services.

  • (age 4–18). Longer-term support for children and young people affected by child sexual abuse, sexual violence, exploitation or related trauma, including creative arts and play therapy. We pace counselling around the child's needs. Nobody is pushed to talk before they're ready.

    The theraputic approach will be appropriate to the child or young person’s age, developmental stage and theraputic needs.

    Counselling is paced around the child or young person’s needs. They will not be forced to talk about anything before they are ready.

  • (up to age 18). Time-limited advocacy around sexual violence and the criminal justice process. This can include help understanding rights, police processes, court-related worries, safety planning and onward referrals.

  • Family, parent and carer support. Available to non-abusing parents, carers and family members. This can include emotional support, information about trauma responses, guidance on responding to disclosures, and support to strengthen safety and recovery at home.

  • Support for young people with additional needs (age 12–25). With specialist partners, we offer tailored support for young people with a learning disability, autism, or both, considering communication, access, sensory and learning needs as part of referral and assessment.

Contact us for more information

Refer yourself or someone you care for

If you're 15 or older and have experienced or been affected by child sexual abuse, sexual violence, exploitation or related trauma, you can refer yourself.

Non-abusing parents, carers and family members of children and young people aged 4 to 18, and up to 25 for young adults with additional needs, can refer on their behalf. They may also be able to access support themselves.

refer here

Refer as a professional

If you're a professional working with a child or young person affected by child sexual abuse, sexual violence, exploitation or related trauma, you can refer on their behalf. This includes professionals from schools, social care, health services, youth services and other agencies.

refer here

Resources

Support across South West London

Frequently asked questions

  • No. Referrals are reviewed first, so we can understand need, risk, eligibility and the right pathway. Acceptance also depends on service capacity and funding. If we can't accept a referral, we'll explain why where possible and point you toward alternative services or re-referral in future.

  • Yes. Please include details of all agencies involved and who is holding lead responsibility for risk or safeguarding. This helps us decide whether our service can safely support alongside the existing network.

    However, we would not offer therapy or counselling to a young person who is already engaged in a therapeutic process elsewhere.

  • You can still refer, but timing and the type of support may need care. Therapy is sometimes adapted, delayed, or coordinated with the ISVA, police, CPS or other professionals involved.

  • We'll consider what feels safest and most accessible. Support can be offered in person, online, in school, in a community setting, or elsewhere, depending on the pathway. Some support may be available online, depending on your needs, safety and privacy.

  • We'll talk with you about ending support: what's helped, any ongoing needs, your feedback, and whether you need signposting or referral elsewhere.

Contact us for more information