Charity offers support to Newham families affected by abuse

12 March 2010

A CHARITY that supports children and families affected by abuse is now offering its services to Newham residents.

Mosac works with children who have been sexually abused through play therapy and also helps non-abusing parents and carers.

It launched its Playworks service in Greenwich in 2007 but can now offer support in Newham with funding secured from London Councils.

The charity, which has purpose-built premises in Stratford, now has funded vacancies for children aged four to twelve who need support in Newham but will also consider children from Tower Hamlets.

Parents of affected children can access the service by calling 0800 980 1958. Advisors are present all day Tuesday and Wednesday or between 10am and 2pm on Thursday and Friday. Or email us: enquiries@mosac.org.uk

The charity uses Play Therapy which is a child-focused therapeutic approach and works because children often prefer playing to talking. Play is a central part of their experience.

Children are given a safe, supportive environment where, rather than explaining themselves with words, they can illustrate their feelings and reframe them with support from experienced therapists.

They also use art and play as a way to communicate because they sometimes lack the words with which to describe their thoughts and feelings. Therapists use art, role play, movement and specialist toys to help them to process difficult life events.

Mosac offers specialist counselling services, delivering supportive, confidential, face-to-face counselling for all non-abusive parents and carers following the disclosure of sexual abuse of their child.

It also hosts its own advocacy service, delivering practical support to carers who are dealing with external agencies such as (but not exclusively) social services, the courts, housing offices and the police.

To find out more, go to www.mosac.org.uk,