What We Do & How We Work
We support survivors and strengthen communities by embedding the six trauma-informed pillars into everything we do: Safety, Trust, Choice, Collaboration, Empowerment, and Cultural Responsiveness.
1: Prevention
We raise awareness and promote healthy relationships through safe, inclusive groups and outreach.
By building trust and sharing clear, honest information, we empower individuals to recognise abuse and make confident, informed choices.
2: Early Intervention
We provide timely, respectful support when concerns first arise. Our IDVAs and outreach workers listen without judgement and act quickly to reduce risk, offering practical help that centres survivors’ needs and choices.
3: Support
From one-to-one sessions to peer groups, we create compassionate spaces where survivors feel safe, believed, and heard.
We focus on strengths, not labels, helping people regain control and rebuild confidence at their own pace.
4: Advocacy
We stand alongside survivors to challenge injustice. We amplify lived experience to shape systems that are more responsive, inclusive, and trauma-informed.
5: Collaboration
We work with local partners to make sure support is joined up and survivor-led. We listen to feedback, learn from experience, and share knowledge to create lasting, collective change.
6. System Change
We influence policy and practice to reduce harm and inequality, especially for those most marginalised. We challenge stigma, share what works, and champion trauma-informed approaches across sectors.
Together, we’re building a safer, more compassionate East Sussex - where every survivor is heard, empowered, and supported to thrive.
Our Trauma-Informed Approach: How We Support You
At Lotus Families, we understand that life can be really hard, especially if you’ve experienced abuse. These experiences can affect how safe, confident, or hopeful you feel.
That’s why we use a trauma-informed approach. This means everything we do is built around helping you feel safe, respected, supported, and in control.
Here’s how we do that, guided by the six pillars of trauma-informed practice:
🛑 Safety
We do our best to make sure you feel physically and emotionally safe when you connect with us.
We talk through any risks and agree on a safety plan together.
Our groups and spaces are calm, welcoming, and free from judgement.
“It was the first time in years I could breathe. I didn’t have to explain myself - they just got it.”
🤝 Trust
We know that trusting services can be difficult, especially if you’ve been ignored, doubted or let down before.
We will always believe you.
We’ll be clear about how we work and what you can expect.
Your privacy matters to us. We only share things if it’s to help keep someone safe.
“I didn’t feel like a case number here. I felt human.”
🧭 Choice
You are the expert in your own life. We’re here to support your choices, not make them for you.
You can share as much or as little as you like.
We’ll talk through your options and support you with whatever you choose.
“They never pushed me. It was all at my pace, and that gave me back control.”
👥 Collaboration
We work with you, not just for you.
We work alongside other services if that helps you, always with your permission.
Our groups encourage peer support—you’re not alone, and others can walk with you.
“Hearing from other parents with abusive children made me feel less ashamed. We helped each other grow.”
💪 Empowerment
We focus on your strengths, not just your struggles.
We help you find what’s strong in you, not just what’s happened to you.
Our goal is to support your confidence, your independence, and your voice.
“I found parts of myself again, strength I forgot I had. I left group feeling proud.”
🌍 Cultural Responsiveness
Everyone's experience is different. We want our service to be safe and inclusive for all.
We’ll take time to understand your background, your identity, and what’s important to you.
We listen, learn, and adapt based on what people tell us.
“As a gay woman who had been abused by a female partner, I was worried that the recovery group wouldn't be relevant to me, but it was and I felt completely accepted - it was a relief.”
We Listen and Learn
We regularly invite people who’ve used our services to give us feedback and help shape what we do.
We value challenge - it makes us better.
We believe your experience is a powerful tool for change.
“They asked how the programme could have been improved. That’s when I realised my voice mattered.”
You’re Not Alone
Whatever you’re going through, you don’t have to face it alone. We’re here for you - when you’re ready, in a way that works for you.
Other Information
If you ask for Lotus Families' help you can be sure of confidentiality and support from all staff and volunteers who are well trained and trustworthy.
All staff and volunteers have an enhanced level criminal records check.
We ensure that safeguarding is an integral part of all our work, by embedding safeguarding principles and practices throughout all our work.
A proud member of the East Sussex Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Alliance sharing the same values and principles; connecting and supporting people and communities.