TESTIMONIALS
This is what people have said to us about Daughter ARISE:
Yvonne
Ellis is the true embodiment of a survivor. Yvonne shared her life events
with a group of young people I work with and was nothing but inspiring.
She connected with the young people at an emotional level and spoke with
such honesty about her adversity and experiences. Yvonne made a lasting
impression with all of us and she showed young people that no matter how
bad your situation, you can still succeed in life if you give yourself
a chance.
Natasha Rego, Children and Young People
Participation Officer,
Wandsworth Council
Yvonne
came to talk to our independent visitors and her talk was well received.
She gave an honest description of how the sexual abuse she suffered as
a child took place and how it affected her then and now. However much
training you have about childhood abuse, it is theoretical. To hear from
someone who is willing to share the pain of what happened to them makes
you realise what it actually means in emotional terms for a sufferer as
the person is standing in front of you telling their story. I was deeply
moved by Yvonne's presentation and I know the independent visitor group
felt privileged to hear from her in person.
Jane Pugh, Independent Visitor Volunteer
Co-ordinator, Children's Quality Assurance and Safeguarding Service Social
Care and Families Support Division,
Croydon Council
Yvonne
Ellis accepted my invitation to speak at the Westminster looked after
children's and care leavers conference held at Tate Britain in February
2011.
Yvonne gave a moving and insightful speech about her experience of going through abuse and about the difficulties she faced being in care system and beyond. Her story inspired hope and she encouraged our young people to use the resources available to them the best they can in order to deal with hard and difficult feelings so they too can find their voice.
The conference was attended by over 80 children and young people aged 5- 21 and adult professionals who work with the young people. Yvonne managed to pitch her talk so it was understandable to all.
