Children’s Service -The Sunflowers Project
The Sunflowers Project supports children and young people aged 10–17 who have been directly or indirectly impacted by sexual abuse.
Our specialist team offers both therapeutic counselling and CHISVA (Children’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) support to help children and young people process their experiences, feel heard, and stay safe. For children under 10, we offer support through online courses and direct work with the main caregiver.
What Happens After a Referral?
Once we receive a referral, a member of the team will arrange an initial telephone assessment with the child’s main caregiver. This conversation helps us:
- Assess whether our service is appropriate
- Understand the child’s current situation
- Identify any risks and protective factors
- Determine which type of support — Counselling or Children’s ISVA (CHISVA) — is most appropriate
Counselling Support
If counselling is identified as the most suitable option:
- The child will be placed on our counselling waiting list.
- Waiting times vary and are estimated after the initial assessment.
- Once a counsellor becomes available, they will contact the caregiver to arrange the first session.
Please note: The first 2 counselling sessions serve as an extended assessment period, allowing the counsellor to build trust with the child and ensure our service is the right fit for their current needs.
How We Work
Our counsellors use a structured 8-session counselling programme for children and young people impacted by sexual abuse. The journey focuses on building safety, developing coping strategies, understanding trauma, and exploring relationships. Sessions are creative, flexible, and led at the young person’s pace—supporting healing, resilience, and hope for the future.
We aim to make counselling accessible, safe, and engaging, so children and young people can express themselves in ways that feel natural and empowering.
Children’s ISVA (CHISVA) Support
Children’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (CHISVAs) provide support for children who are involved in the criminal justice process due to sexual abuse. This service is for children where there is an ongoing police investigation or legal proceedings.
What to Expect
- The CHISVA will first meet with the main caregiver to complete an assessment.
- Our CHISVA model offers a structured 4-session approach for children and young people affected by sexual violence. Support focuses on building safety, developing coping strategies, and moving forward. Sessions are trauma-informed, child/young person-led, and aim to empower young people as they navigate the justice process. Following these sessions, children and young people can be referred back to the Sunflowers service for support through the court process or for Pre Trial Therapy or Counselling.
We Accept Referrals for Individuals Who Are:
- Adults (18 or under)
- Living in Wirral, Sefton, or Liverpool
- Registered with a GP in Merseyside
- Affected by any form of sexual violence, including harassment – whether recent or historic
We Cannot Accept Referrals for Individuals Who:
- Do not meet the eligibility criteria above
- Are currently experiencing a mental health crisis
- Are actively suicidal or have attempted suicide within the last 3 months
- Have experienced psychosis in the last 12 months or have a diagnosed psychotic condition
- Are currently an inpatient under Primary Care Mental Health services
- Have had multiple admissions or discharges from psychiatric hospitals in the past 12 months
- Are currently dependent on illegal drugs or alcohol
- We may consider referrals if the person has been in recovery for at least 6 months, or is actively engaged with a recognised drug/alcohol support service
- Are not primarily seeking support for sexual violence (e.g. those currently struggling with bereavement or terminal illness, other types of traumas)
- Are under investigation for, or convicted of, rape or sexual assault. Please refer to:
- May pose a risk to themselves or others
- For counselling, a 6-month waiting period is required before re-referral.
- Free from current or ongoing exploitation
- Absence of ongoing family court proceedings where disclosures of sexual abuse have been made against the parent.
- Access to at least one individual, such as an adult family member or a professional, to promote stability outside of sessions.
'RASA Merseyside is committed to safeguarding all children, young people and adults and expects all RASA staff to act accordingly at all times.'