Our servicesServices for children & young people

Services for children & young people

We have a range of specialist services and support available for children and young people who are currently, or have previously been impacted by domestic abuse.

 

Domestic Abuse and Mental Health Support

Through the Kent Therapeutic Alliance, we’re providing domestic‑abuse‑specific therapeutic support for children and young people. This may include mentoring, counselling or art therapy. The service helps young people understand and manage the impact of domestic abuse and supports their emotional recovery.

Mental health in the context of domestic abuse may include night terrors, self-harm, behavioural needs, anxiety and low mood for example.

We offer this support in Canterbury, Ashford and Folkestone & Hythe.

Make a referral via Kent Therapeutic Alliance
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Domestic Abuse Support

We have a range of specialist services and support available for children and young people, aged 5 to 24, who are currently, or have previously been, impacted by domestic abuse. We provide one-to-one support, as well as group programmes and activity days.

Through psychoeducational support, we empower young people to understand their experiences and emotions, develop coping mechanisms and build confidence and self-esteem.

This support is for those experiencing low to no mental health needs. If experiencing trauma symptoms, please refer to Domestic Abuse and Mental Health Support above.

We offer this support in Canterbury, Ashford and Folkestone & Hythe.

Make a referral via Rising Sun
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Working with Schools

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Group Support

We have a range of group programmes suitable for children aged 5 to 16 that we are able to deliver in participating schools.

Group programmes can be for those who have been impacted by domestic abuse, are in vulnerable situations, have unhealthy attitudes or beliefs about themselves or others. Group work can support young people to be safe, understand the impact of their behaviour, gain confidence and self-worth, build positive relationships and increase their emotional literacy.

Please note: referrals for group support can only be accepted from a professional based within a school, and will need to be for a minimum number of students depending on the group.
Make a referral
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Assemblies and Talks

Rising Sun can come into your school to deliver a bespoke class talk or year group assembly to discuss topics surrounding domestic abuse in an age-appropriate way.

Assemblies and talks cover topics that have been highlighted as high risk of exposure at a younger age through our specialist children and young people services. This may include: sexting, pornography, stalking, harassment, online grooming, coercive control and more.

All assemblies and talks include content suitable for years 7-13 and can subtly adapted to suit each year group. The sessions are suitable for an hour, but can be adapted into 45 minutes if needed. We are also happy to send over slides and media in advance.

Request an assembly or talk

Child and Young Survivors of Domestic Abuse: A Trauma-Informed Approach for Health Professionals

In 2025, Rising Sun was commissioned by Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse to create guidance for health professionals on how to respond appropriately to child and young survivors of domestic abuse.

The guidance is for anyone working directly with children and families, who may be impacted by domestic abuse, and particularly useful for professionals working within health, social care or education.

It aims to provide a framework for recognising signs of abuse, making safe enquiry and responding to disclosures. It also provides an overview of how children are affected by coercive control-based domestic abuse, what the long term impacts may be and explores how to promote and support recovery.

Read our guidance