The creatives behind a film about helping young people who have been sexually abused have met with Childline counsellors in Glasgow.
Suphur and White is a personal insight into the life of NSPCC ambassador and fundraiser David Tait, with the honest film telling a story of child sexual abuse, lasting trauma and eventual healing.
On Saturday, Mr Tait joined film director Julian Jarrold, writer Susie Farrell, producer Alan Govinden and stars Mark Stanley and Emily Beecham as they visited the Childline base in Glasgow, following the film’s premiere on Friday at Glasgow Film Festival.
Having spent months concentrating on the issue and profound impact of child sexual abuse, the Sulphur and White team were keen to hear the experiences of Childline counsellors and the help offered to young people who contact them.
David, whose wife Vanessa has volunteered as a Childline counsellor for many years, said: “I backed Sulphur and White being made because I wanted people to understand the reality of child sexual abuse and the collateral damage it can cause. I also wanted to show people that there is redemption and a future.
“I’m hoping the film will encourage people with hidden pasts to talk about their own problems and it will give them comfort going forward.
“The NSPCC and Childline is such an incredibly important resource for children these days – that they can reach out for help and there is someone there to listen to them and support them.”
Last year, more than 500 children and young people in Scotland contacted Childline about sexual abuse. During the same period, Police Scotland recorded more than 5000 sexual offences against children.
Matt Forde, national head of service for NSPCC Scotland, said: “We know that Childline is a lifeline for so many children and young people who have been sexually abused.
“Our counsellors are sometimes the first people they have ever told about it. And many of them talk about having mental health issues, which are often triggered by the trauma of the abuse they have experienced.
“It is so important that people feel that if they speak out they will be listened to and believed, however much time has passed since the abuse happened. We hope that David’s story will give people the courage to do so, and that they will receive the support they need.”
Sulphur and White will be released in cinemas on March 6, with 20% of ticket sales going to the children’s charity.
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