Thank you to The Principality Building Society

19th January 2026

Stepping Stones North Wales Secures Grant to Support Young Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Stepping Stones North Wales has welcomed a generous grant from the Principality Building Society’s Future Generations Fund to deliver trauma-informed counselling and psychoeducational support for young survivors of childhood sexual abuse across the six counties of North Wales.

The two-year grant will fund specialist one-to-one counselling in both Welsh and English for young people aged 18–25, alongside peer support groups and psychoeducational activities designed to reduce isolation, build confidence and support survivors into education, training and employment. The project will be delivered both face-to-face and remotely, ensuring young people in rural areas can access support.

Demand for specialist trauma-informed counselling for young survivors continues to rise across North Wales, with waiting lists growing and many young people facing barriers related to transport, digital exclusion and stigma. The funding will enable Stepping Stones North Wales to expand its capacity and respond to this increasing need.

Phil Eastment, CEO of Stepping Stones North Wales, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to Principality Building Society’s Future Generations Fund for recognising the urgent need for specialist, trauma-informed support for young survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This funding will make a real difference, allowing us to provide safe, survivor-led counselling and group support that helps young people heal from trauma, rebuild their confidence and move towards healthier, more hopeful futures.”

Stepping Stones North Wales has counselling rooms on Anglesey, in Conwy and in Wrexham, in addition to renting rooms in venues throughout North Wales, and also offers online and telephone support to ensure accessibility across the region. The charity places the voice of the survivor at the heart of its work, tailoring support to individual needs and circumstances.

The project will run from January 2026 to January 2028 and is expected to directly support at least 30 young survivors, while also contributing to wider community wellbeing by helping to break cycles of trauma and improve long-term outcomes for young people and their families.