Tina

This episode contains discussion of childhood sexual abuse, violence and high-risk drug use by under 18s, which some listeners may find distressing. Please take care while listening (There is information on where you can get support at the end of these notes below). Tina is first and foremost a Mum. She was born in Devonport, Plymouth and 70 years later still lives in Devonport. She has overcome terrible personal experience. Life has been challenging and very hard. Motivated by significant worry for her children she became active in her community, challenging services to help those in her family and community and directly helping parents and young people. Using her life experience, she was able to ‘connect’ to many who society had given up on or ‘labelled’ as ‘difficult’ or ‘dangerous’. They knew they could trust her. Over the last 35 years she has gone from being a ‘dinner lady’, to a volunteer, to a worker at Hamoaze House*, ending there in 2026 as a ‘Team Leader’ – whilst always being a Mum. There are so many parents / carers and children and young people she has helped and whose lives have moved on for the better. Tina is an extraordinary and yet also ordinary member of our community. A character. Loud. Kind. She cares. She is a lovely person. Thanks Tina.

*An oasis of a place for children and adults wanting to experience safety, kindness and helpful challenge.

Help

If you’re in immediate danger or need urgent help, call ⁠999⁠.

If you have experienced rape, sexual assault or childhood sexual abuse, you can contact the Rape Crisis 24/7 Support Line on ⁠0808 500 2222⁠, or access support through your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

In Plymouth, the Plymouth Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) provides free, confidential support for people of any age, whether the abuse happened recently or many years ago. Their 24-hour number is ⁠0300 303 4626⁠.

If you’re worried that a child may be at risk, contact Plymouth Families First on ⁠01752 668000⁠, or call ⁠999⁠ if a child is in immediate danger.

Nationally the following may be helpful:

• Samaritans – 116 123 (free, 24 hours) if anyone is feeling overwhelmed or in emotional distress.

• Childline – 0800 1111 for anyone under 19.

• NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood) – 0808 801 0331, which specialises in supporting adults who experienced abuse in childhood.

Take care.