Break the Silence is a registered charity that provides free, professional counselling to survivors of childhood sexual abuse in north and east Ayrshire.
We aim to support people to find healing and growth through professional counselling after childhood trauma.
Founded
People Supported
Sessions Delivered
We provide professional counselling to survivors of childhood sexual abuse in North and East Ayrshire. Healing trauma and supporting growth.
Break the Silence offers free, specialist counselling in a safe, confidential space for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. We support healing from trauma and help post-traumatic growth. We also offer guidance for partners and family members whose lives experience the impact of their loved ones’ past trauma. Every survivor’s experience is unique and our support is provided collaboratively at the individual’s own pace, tailored to what feels right for them. Services are funded through local authority contracts, trusts, foundations, grants and donations; this ensures there is no cost to survivors to access our services.
Explore opportunities for positive change.
What people say about us
The service has been fantastic
“The support from Break the Silence staff, craft group and reiki have all been great. All the staff are very welcoming and caring. The service has been fantastic. It was Archway and the Police who found the service for me.”
A positive effect
“Working with Break the Silence has had a positive effect on my day-to-day experiences. I feel more sensitive to situations and I have felt happiness. I would encourage others to incorporate this into their lives and accept help from BtS.”
A positive future
“This has really changed my outlook to a positive future – I wish my counsellor had been available to me many years ago.”
The start of a change
“The support that you gave me was the start of a change which I can’t put a price on. It was far from an instant fix but, I am much better than I was and my relationship with my partner and children is much better as a result.”
In our words
They will be believed
“When survivors come to our service we want them to know that they will be believed, that they will have choices about how they experience things, and that they can go at a pace that feels okay to them.”
Melanie Fieldhouse
Set at the client's pace
“The work is very much set at a pace that the client wants to work at, focusing on the goals that they have brought to therapy.”
Lesley Anne Pratchett
Tailors sessions to the individual
“Break the Silence tailors the sessions to each individual. Some people might want to talk about the trauma and start processing the trauma. We go at each individual’s pace.”
Sharon Belshaw
Identify where you are feeling stuck
“The role of the therapist is to help you identify where you are feeling stuck, and to help you navigate the changes you need to make, and that is your choice and your changes.”
Lesley Anne Pratchett
We understand the complexities
“Break the Silence has been working with the survivors of childhood sexual abuse for many years and we understand the complexities involved. If you feel anxious about getting in touch, reach out and we’ll be happy to speak with you.”
Sharon Belshaw





