Service helping child abuse victims in care gets cash boost

A service which supports people who suffered abuse while in care during childhood is receiving a multimillion-pound cash boost.

The Scottish Government has announced up to £9m is being awarded to the Future Pathways group, allowing it to extend its work for another two years.

It currently provides abuse survivors with therapy and psychological counselling, as well as assisting in areas such as education and training.

Future Pathways is an alliance organisation which brings together the Mental Health Foundation, Health in Mind, Penumbra and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

More than 1400 people have registered for its help since it was set up by the Scottish Government in 2016.

Flora Henderson, of Future Pathways, said the financial boost would “allow for further continued support to survivors of historical child abuse in care in Scotland”.

She added: “Although over 1400 survivors have already registered with us, we know there are more people out there who have had similar experiences and who could really benefit from our help and support.”

Mental health minister Clare Haughey said: “The support provided by Future Pathways is vital to help people abused or neglected as children while in care to lead full, healthy and independent lives.

“It’s one of a number of initiatives which the government is funding to support those abused while in care.”