Islington Survivors Trauma Service

  • We provide confidential psychological support for anyone who has been emotionally affected by experiences of abuse in Islington Children’s homes or while under the care of Islington Council as children between 1960 and 1995. This includes foster homes, secure schools, holiday placements etc.

  • Borough(s): Islington
  • Email: ists@candi.nhs.uk
  • Age range treated: 18+
  • Address:
    4th Floor,  West Wing St Pancras Hospital, London, NW1 0PE
  • Phone number: 0203 317 6820
  • Service hours: 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday

How to access this service

We accept both self-referrals and referrals by others, including professionals, friends or family. If you would like to contact us directly, please fill in the online ISTS referral form (this used to be a hyperlink if it can be changed back, otherwise this is the link to be added: Islington Survivor Trauma Service (ISTS) - Referral Form (office.com), phone us on 0203 317 6820 or send us an email on ists@candi.nhs.uk.

For professionals, please fill in the online ISTS referral form, available here:  Islington Survivor Trauma Service (ISTS) - Referral Form (office.com)

In addition to in person meetings, the ISTS continues to offer telephone and remote video consultations, where appropriate. 

What to expect

Your first contact will usually be over the phone. We will then invite you to an initial meeting, where we can discuss your individual needs and jointly agree a treatment plan. This can sometimestake several meetings. Each meeting lasts between 1-1.5 hours and usually takes place at our clinic in St Pancras Hospital, if possible. We have also started offering remote video meetings, which do not require you to travel to St Pancras Hospital. See the trust website for further information on video consultations. The outcome of the meeting will determine what happens next. Common next steps include:

  • Trauma informed psychological support and therapy within ISTS. 
  • Supporting you to access appropriate onward support, including to other mental health services or charities.
  • Agreement that no further support is needed now

Service manager(s)

Mary Robertson

Useful Information

We have compiled a range of resources on coping with anxiety and PTSD symptoms, as well as an information leaflet [pdf] 655KB on further support offered by independent organisations for survivors and their carers. Finally, the Traumatic Stress Clinic YouTube channel features further helpful video resources on coping with anxiety and PTSD.

Survivors may also at times struggle with drug and alcohol difficulties. This can interfere with feeling able to access appointments regularly or benefit fully from therapy. If you feel you need support with your substance use, please see below:

Non-Recent Child Abuse Support Payment Scheme
 
Islington Council has launched the Islington Support Payment Scheme, for people who experienced abuse while placed by the council in Islington's children's homes between 1966 and 1995. People affected can apply now for a support payment of £10,000. The Support Payment Scheme is open to applications until May 2024. For more information, see www.islingtonsupportpayment.co.uk. 
 
If you help to make an application, or have questions about the Support Payment Scheme, call 020 7527 3254 or email supportpayment@islington.gov.uk. 
 
For information on additional support available in Islington for survivors of non-recent child abuse, see www.islington.gov.uk/survivorsupport

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