National inquiry into child sex abuse coming to Telford

The inquiry, led by Professor Jay, is investigating the extent to which institutions in England and Wales failed to protect children from sexual abuse.

Victims and survivors in Telford will be able to talk about their experiences as part of the inquiry's Truth Project.

The project, which inquiry bosses said is a vital part of its work, gives victims of child sexual abuse the opportunity to talk in confidence with a facilitator.

There are no legal consequences to attending a Truth Project session, they said. Participants are not cross-examined, questioned or challenged.

Alexis Jay, chairwoman of the Inquiry, said: “It’s vital that everyone who wants to participate in the Truth Project has the opportunity to do so.

"I would encourage victims and survivors of child sexual abuse in Telford to get in touch with us. We can promise you that you will be heard, recognised and respected.

"Child sexual abuse can take many different forms and we want to hear from as many victims and survivors as possible. We can offer support before, during and after your confidential Truth Project session and you can also make recommendations for change that will feed into the Inquiry’s recommendations.”

Those who participate in the Truth Project can give as much or as little detail about their experiences as they want and they are also able to make recommendations for change.

Truth Project is welcomed

Telford & Wrekin Council said it had contacted Professor Jay on March 12 after press coverage of multiple historic child abuse cases in the area. It has sent the Inquiry, which covers England and Wales, further information and reports and the Inquiry is now considering them.

Councillor Shaun Davies, leader of the council, said: "I am very grateful to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse for their response.

“I, and I am sure everyone at the council, very much welcomes the news that they are bringing the Truth Project to Telford.

“It is vital that victims and survivors of child sexual exploitation here share their experiences with the inquiry and make recommendations for change.

“Victims and their families have rightly been asking for such an opportunity and the Truth Project, which is part of this expert and independent inquiry, is ideally placed to ensure this happens.

“This is another very important step forward in ensuring that we have as true a picture as possible of what happened in Telford to make any further recommendations of changes to the work of partners in Telford continue to do to tackle and prevent this vile crime.

“We have consistently said that a council-commissioned inquiry would not be the most effective way to do this and an independent expert inquiry is best placed to do this.”

'Not a substitute for an inquiry'

Lucy Allan, MP for Telford, said: "The Truth Project is an opportunity for victims to tell their story in confidence, if they would like to do so.

“This is an important part of the healing process and I hope victims will come forward to participate.

“However, this is not a substitute for an inquiry.

“An inquiry will determine whether there were failings by the authorities and will provide answers so we can as a community move forward.

“The council agrees an inquiry is necessary, and they will be aware that the Truth Project is not an inquiry.

“The council have seen the advice from the Local Government Minister, and it is up to them to commission an independent inquiry in Telford.”