Hedgehog finds her voice to speak to children affected by criminality

• Children from Clearwater Church of England Primary Academy in Gloucester have collaborated on a book to help young people who have experienced crime, talk about their feelings
• ‘Hedgehog Finds her Voice’ explores the most common ways in which adults mean well, but fail to hear children’s attempts to express their emotions
• It was written by the charity Victim Support and funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure every primary school in Gloucestershire gets a free copy
• Author John De Gruyther said, “We created this book because we know, from the children and young people we support, just how many of them struggle to talk about their experiences and don’t feel listened to”.

Their children made an important contribution, and today Clearwater Church of England Primary Academy hosted an event to mark the launch of a new book, designed to help young people who have experienced crime, talk about their feelings.

‘Hedgehog Finds her Voice’ explores the most common ways in which adults mean well, but fail to hear children’s attempts to express their emotions.

Hedgehog’s challenges and experiences in the book are based on the contributions of the academy’s seven to nine year olds – to show what good listening feels like.

One said, “When I am worried, I go to a trusted adult. But when they say try not to think about it, it is not helpful because that’s hard to do.”

Another added: “The story encourages others that it is ok to talk to someone when you are worried.”

“Children often tell us that they think they are to blame for what’s happened. They are often too scared or embarrassed to talk about it, or believe that the adults in their lives are too busy to listen”

Written by the charity Victim Support, funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and co-produced with the help of pupils from Clearwater Academy in Gloucester, it is being distributed to all primary schools in Gloucestershire.

Author John De Gruyther, Victim Support Community Engagement and Training Manager, said: “We created this book because we know, from the children and young people we support, just how many of them struggle to talk about their experience of crime and don’t feel listened to.

“Children often tell us that they think they are to blame for what’s happened, or that their experience has been minimised and isn’t that serious or important. They are often too scared or embarrassed to talk about it, or believe that the adults in their lives are too busy to listen.

“We hope this book will be an engaging way for both children and care givers to get better at talking about the impacts of crime on the lives of young people. It was fantastic to work with co-author Diana Batchelor, whose brilliant illustrations bring the book to life, and who volunteered countless hours to this project.”

“Words and illustration are a brilliant way of explaining difficult messages to children and young people”

Victim Support Gloucestershire works with children: to help them understand and process their experience of crime, feel safer, and reduce the risk of them being re-victimised. Last year, the charity received over 1,300 referrals into its services.

Thanks to funding from Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), every primary school in the county will receive a free copy, to help teachers support children who have been the victim of a crime or traumatic event.

PCC Chris Nelson said: “Words and illustration are a brilliant way of explaining difficult messages to children and young people, and I congratulate everyone who has played a part in giving Hedgehog her voice”.

As well as providing 1000 free copies for every primary school in Gloucestershire, Victim Support will also give copies of the book to the children and families it supports and use it in one to one support sessions.

‘Hedgehog Finds her Voice’ is available to buy directly from the publisher and at most good book stores.

Children and young people who have experienced crime can get in touch with Victim Support Gloucestershire by visiting ygtglos.org.uk/getting-support or by calling the local supportline on 0808 281 0112 from 9am-8pm Monday to Friday.

About Victim Support

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. Our services help people affected by all types of crime. We provide free confidential support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – regardless of whether they have reported the crime to the police or when it occurred.

Victim Support Gloucestershire

Victim Support Gloucestershire offers support both adults and young people impacted by crime.

Our local victim care team in Gloucestershire can be reached on 0808 281 0112. Lines are open 9am-8pm, Monday to Friday. Those who need support outside the local team’s opening hours can call our Supportline, for free, on 08 08 16 89 111 or use our free live chat support service, both of which are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.