BODY & SOUL

Who we are

‘Transforming the impact of childhood adversity.’

We deliver a proven transformational programme for people of all ages who have had adverse childhood experiences.

Set up 25 years ago to support children, adolescents and families living with HIV, we have pioneered a whole-person model of care that has now been extended to other groups, including children who have been adopted and young people who have attempted suicide.

We believe that transformational change does not have an age limit. People should be able to live their lives free of shame, and no one should have their life chances reduced because of traumatic experiences in their past.

Our specially designed centre in Clerkenwell, London boasts five floors of state of the art care and wellbeing facilities, including therapy rooms, a chef’s kitchen, a seminar room, a games room and sound studio, and an Ofsted-approved children’s centre.

Body & Soul members have access to a full range of services that reflects our whole-person approach. These include one-to-one as well as group therapeutic support, health and wellbeing seminars, legal support and advocacy, psycho-education, employment programmes and complementary therapies (e.g. shiatsu, massage).

Our programmes are monitored through internal evaluation as well as independent audits. We focus on five key areas: physical health; mental health; psychosocial health; practical support; and the productivity of our members.

Our approach is evidence based. It is informed by a substantial body of research showing that the stress associated with adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, violence and dysfunction can have life-long consequences for health and well-being. According to the World Health Organization, “such stress can lead to serious problems such as alcoholism, depression, eating disorders, unsafe sex, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases”.

Complex issues require comprehensive responses, but with the right intervention at the right time, the Body & Soul model builds hope and resilience. Our approach is grounded in responsive, expert programming with the aim of maximising pathways for achievement and continuous learning in an environment of aspiration.