We are so pleased and proud that the National Lottery Community Fund continues to recognise and support our work with adult survivors of abuse.

Since 2017, we have received a total of £40,000 in funding from the National Lottery Community Fund — including our most recent £20,000 award in July 2024.

This continued partnership has been instrumental in helping us reach more survivors, expand our trauma-informed programmes, and strengthen long-term community support.

What We’ve Achieved Together

Thanks to this latest funding, we have delivered four Breaking the Cycle™ C.L.E.A.N.E.R.™ Living Therapy Programmes (Cohorts 11–14), directly supporting more than 30 participants on their recovery journeys.

Each eight-week course helps survivors rebuild their health, mindset, and confidence — providing practical tools and knowledge to understand trauma, restore self-belief, and take meaningful steps toward lasting wellbeing.

Beyond the classroom, we’ve continued to offer peer-to-peer support to over 45 previous participants, creating safe spaces for connection through online groups, wellbeing masterclasses, and community meet-ups.

These ongoing supports reduce isolation, strengthen resilience, and ensure that healing continues long after the programme ends.
Participant feedback shows 100% of attendees reported increased self-awareness, with over 90% reporting improved confidence and emotional resilience.

In Their Own Words

S, Cohort 12
“Before the programme started, I felt lost, overwhelmed, and powerless in my own life. I had felt suicidal for a long time… I had lost my career and my sense of who I was.

The programme made me realise that I don’t have to stay stagnant — progression and improvement are still possible. Having others who understand the journey as an abuse survivor was invaluable. I now know that change is possible and that life can offer something more.

I’m incredibly grateful to Chris and Survivors of aBuse for their dedication and compassion. This programme has given me hope, tools, and a sense of belonging I thought I’d never find.”

J, Cohort 13
“Breaking the Cycle isn’t just about surviving — it’s about learning to live again, for ourselves and for the next generation.
Having the space to exist honestly and fully is so rare, but it can truly be life changing.”

N, Cohort 14
“I used to think I was broken. Now I know I’m normal — a survivor, not a victim — and I’m making better choices for my future.”

A, Cohort 14
“This course helped me understand that self-care isn’t selfish. It’s how I rebuild my strength and protect my energy.”

K, Cohort 14
“This course has taught me that I’m not defined by my past. I’m learning to trust myself again — to believe that I’m worthy of peace and happiness.”

R, Cohort 11
“I didn’t expect to feel such connection. For the first time in years, I felt seen, heard, and understood.”

T, Cohort 13
“This course gave me the confidence to speak about my experiences and to set boundaries for the first time in my life.”

M, Cohort 12
“I came in full of fear and doubt. I’m leaving with hope, a plan, and a community that lifts me up when I fall.”

Looking Ahead

The National Lottery’s support has allowed us to grow steadily and sustainably — proving that survivor-led, trauma-informed recovery truly changes lives.

Building on this success, we have now applied for five-year funding (£375,000) to expand our Breaking the Cycle™ programme nationally.

Our goal is to train more facilitators with lived experience, create accessible programmes across the UK, and ensure that every survivor who needs support can find it.

This growth also forms part of our new 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, which sets out our vision to scale our services, strengthen governance, and build a sustainable national network of trauma-informed support.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who plays the National Lottery.

Your support has helped change lives, rebuild confidence, and create communities of healing and hope.

Together, we are breaking the cycle of abuse — one course, one survivor, one story at a time.

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