NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood) - London

Holly Pusheen

Exceptional support- I have been using the helpline on and off for a couple of years now, as needed. I have maybe had seven calls. All of the support has been exemplary. The support staff are incredibly knowledgeable and understanding.

Shona Thompson

They're about as helpful in supporting people with trauma as an (already melted) chocolate teapot would be when holding a hot drink.. If you've gone through trauma, don't call Napac, ever. I'd rather call a toddler on a toy phone than Napac, - they'd probably make me feel more supported and make more sense. I'd even recommend trying to call back to the 1990's using a string and tin cans before calling NAPAC.

I felt so let down, humiliated, unsupported, not listened to, laughed at (yes, they actually laughed at my question on trauma..) and they told me just to move out of my abusive home, just after lockdown, when it was all but impossible as the whole world was on stand still, I didn't have work as I was furloughed and they thought that was the answer - when I said it wasn't possible, the awful manager (who had no compassion) came on the phone and told me not to call back until I had moved out, they didn't want to hear it - so helpful, NOT! Where was the compassion for a trauma survivor? I shudder when I hear someone with trauma being suggested to call NAPAC.

Please, call Family Line, Family Action or anywhere else before NAPAC, if I could give them -100 stars, I would. If you're a charity or an organisation, please NEVER EVER recommend NAPAC to survivors, or ANYONE. Talking to a wall would give better advice / support. Trauma supporters? Good joke, Napac.

YF

Not safe. Avoid. I'm not expecting to call again . Its advertised as up to 30 mins, this implies, if you need up to 30 mins. It isn't. The lady said at 8.30 that I'd only have 15 min because she had typing up to do and that her Job ends at 9. Then she said that its advertised as UP TO 9. It was like calling a moody telesales advisor. She said I could ring back the next day. That could be too late for a trauma survivor. These bad reviews are correct. I phoned needing a friend and got someone who just didn't care. The shock of what she said made me worse. I was completely thrown and she didnt have much to say. Do NOT call. Try survivors trust instead.

Christine Parkinson

I am a survivor!!
So ANY survivor contemplating ringing NAPAC for emotional support...PLEASE READ THESE REVIEWS first.

NAPAC - I cannot believe how many reviews have been left here by survivors in their darkest hour that have been let down - ridiculed and betrayed by your PAID STAFF.
The saddest part is that these survivors HAVE HAD NO RESPONSE FROM YOU WHAT SO EVER!!!

That is absolutely shocking!!
I am so so grateful that I HAVE NOT USED your service - because these bad reviews IS 1 TOO MANY.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

Elska Withers-Lancashire

I have phoned them a couple of times and they have been so helpful, I felt heard and understood, we are blessed to have this service in times of need. I am grateful to them.

FoziaBibiMusic

Quite abit of wait but someone eventually answered. I didn’t feel understood or safe. They offered me another number to call who deal with my condition because I’m a neurodivergent. There was a lack of empathy there but they offered emotional support. It’s an ok organisation but I don’t think I can trust them with my problems. I would advise to get in touch with MIND charity and Samaritans. Samaritans are the best. They help you and take time to listen to you. They offer genuine advice and support.

Juanita Phillips

I read the other comments and I'm glad to say that was not my experience. I found them to be supportive, compassionate and understanding. I was signposted to somewhere I hadn't come across on my own and I felt like I'd been heard. I had never rang this particular help line but I will call them again as I need ongoing support, I was told how long I had to talk which I like as it's structured unlike my problems and I don't mind the questions at the end because I understand they're for mindfulness and grounding in the present.

Holly W

This Organisation was fairly good off & on depending on who took your Call but now:
Not helpful at all!! Opened up & was very honest about my current circumstances with Lady only for her to ask after a silence & being on the phone for about 10 minutes; is there anything else you’d like to talk about. Then She ended the call without warning. No checking in on how I was feeling. No care at all! This is A) Triggering & B) Re-traumatising. If you’re going to provide this sort of support then at least train your staff so they know how to deal with TRAUMA. Sensitivity & Respect didn’t seem to come into it. Allowing vulnerable people to trust you & then abandoning them on your terms is NOT supportive. NAPAC will need to shut down if they can’t provide safe support. It’s a shame as there’s so little support out there but if you can’t give it correctly then don’t give it at all! Also just to let people know this Organisation limits you to 1 very short call per Week (Not helpful at all) & they have a note of your number so they know if you call again in that Week. They are strict & enjoy the power, I feel. Honestly, what is the point!! Absolutely USELESS. Yet again an Organisation not fit for purpose offering support that they’re unable to deliver. Makes my blood boil. I don’t think I’ll bother again! No wonder you can get through so quickly now - no one is on the phone long enough to be helped! Rubbish - it’s all about numbers, ticking boxes & getting funding! It should be about the INDIVIDUAL! We are not just Callers - We are people in need of some support! About as much use as a Chocolate Teapot in my opinion & I’m sure a Chocolate Teapot would handle people better than they do!! ?
From a very upset, disappointed & let down Lady ?