At Trauma Recovery UK’s Bath Centre, a black paint stain on the carpet tells a powerful story. It was left by a teenage girl who had endured severe abuse and, in a moment of anger, spilled paint meant for art therapy, saying, “Now you’ll never forget me!” Founder Betsy De Thierry MBE remembers that moment vividly, and indeed, it remains unforgettable.
The centre has faced challenges beyond those of its vulnerable visitors. On two occasions, bricks have been thrown through its windows—acts of anger from parents accused of abusing their children. Such attacks, while intended to intimidate, only reinforce the need for this sanctuary. To ward off further vandalism, Betsy has placed a collection of small dolls on the window ledge, hoping to touch the inner child within everyone, including those who cause harm.
Betsy’s qualifications to lead Trauma Recovery UK are extensive. As an experienced psychotherapist with over 30 years of expertise, she has authored books on trauma recovery and trained thousands of professionals in the field. Today, the charity operates four centres in Bath, Oxford, Cambridge, and Guernsey, providing vital support to children and young people recovering from physical and sexual abuse, grooming, trafficking, and neglect.
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The centre also helps families cope with ‘secondary trauma’—the profound distress experienced by loved ones of abused children. Inside, the atmosphere is nurturing and child-friendly, with soft play areas, dollhouses, musical instruments, and climbing frames for younger children. Older kids enjoy pool, table football, and basketball. Above all, Betsy wanted Trauma Recovery UK to be a space where children who might never have felt safe can finally find security and hope.
Unlike other services that limit the number of therapy sessions, Trauma Recovery UK keeps its doors open to all children referred to them. Betsy fondly recalls a former service user who visited the centre as a small child, only to return years later—now a towering 6ft 1in youth—to say hello.
However, the centre’s work comes with risks. Due to death threats from accused parents, Betsy was forced to leave Bath and live in hiding. The building itself is protected by a secure fence funded by the Home Office, underscoring the serious threats faced by this peaceful refuge.
As Trauma Recovery UK celebrates fifteen years of service, the resilience and dedication of its team remain unwavering. They continue to provide safety, healing, and hope to children who have been denied these basic rights—and they have no intention of stopping anytime soon.