ISTS is an NHS service commissioned by the London Borough of Islington specifically to respond to the psychological needs of survivors of child abuse in Islington children’s homes and other placements. This service is currently funded until March 2025 and is staffed by psychologists. Survivors refer themselves by making a phone call – without going through a GP or anyone else – unless of course they chose to. Sometimes ISN organise the appointments. They can call or email the service to find out more about what it offers. If they would like to be seen by the service they can complete the online referral form on the website or one of the team can do this with them over the phone.
The service tries to be as flexible as possible and the psychologists are understanding of the impact of child abuse experienced in the care system. During initial conversations with the psychologist, survivors think about how the Trauma Service could best help them individually. Any difficulties in accessing the service are discussed from the beginning. If you live outside London and cannot get to Kings Cross the psychologists will help you to find a similar service near where you live or can now offer online therapy. If the ISTS is not the right place for survivors to access support then they help the survivor to find the most helpful service for them.
The service has been planned together with ISN and survivors contributed to the interview process for the psychologists. ISN attend regular reviews of the service and have provided training.
Further information is provided on the Camden and Islington NHS Trust website for the
Islington Survivors Trauma Service
Address: 4th Floor, West Wing St Pancras Hospital, St Pancras Way London NW1 0PE United Kingdom
Phone: 0203 317 6820
Email: ists@candi.nhs.uk
Directions: St Pancras Hospital is within walking distance from King’s Cross St Pancras underground station (Metropolitan, Northern, Victoria, Hammersmith & City, Circle and Piccadilly line) and Mornington Crescent Underground Station (Northern Line – Charing Cross branch). The 214 and 46 buses also run from both stations to the main entrance of the site.
ISN Survivors Feedback
“They didn’t judge me. I thought they wouldn’t understand what I’d been through because they are young but they did because they listened.”
“They’ve given me help to manage my anxiety. I’ve had panic attacks for 30 years and now I have tried what they suggested and it worked.”
“I’ve never done anything like this before but they understand why I’m angry.”
Resources for survivors
The ISTS have compiled a range of resources on coping with anxiety and PTSD symptoms, as well as an information leaflet 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.
Islington Survivors Network 