Navigating Abuse, Trauma, and Vulnerabilities: A Forgotten Boy's Perspective

"How can I process the fact that those who are here to support me now have organizational roots buried deep within the very abuse they are trying to mend!" - a Forgotten Boy

Adult victims, survivors, and fighters of abuse profoundly value services that prioritize active listening, genuine belief, and respect towards them. Research underscores the significance of voluntary sector organizations like rape crisis centres, counselling services, and independent sexual violence advisors, which tend to provide higher levels of satisfaction to survivors compared to statutory services (Smith et al., 2015).

White Paper: Healing the Borstal Boys

By: Lewis Gell. Senior Recovery Specialist for Historic Child Abuse, The Forgotten Boys



A white paper that delves into a deeply troubling chapter of history and its enduring effects on victims of abuse as children within Correctional Institutions. "Healing the Borstal Boys: Uncovering the Trauma and Its Legacy" explores the harsh realities faced by boys in Borstals, Approved Schools, and Remand Homes during the 1960s and 70s and how Practitioners can work better with them.

White Paper: Pre-Borstal Remand Homes: Exposing the Forgotten Child Abuse Under Local Authority Control

By: Lewis Gell Senior Recovery Specialist for Historic Child Abuse, The Forgotten Boys.

This white paper exposes the unchecked abuse in pre-borstal remand homes of the 1970s—institutions under local authority control, free from Home Office regulation. It reveals how systemic failures allowed severe child abuse to go unnoticed, leaving lasting scars on those who suffered. Drawing on lived experience and professional expertise, it challenges current practitioners to confront this dark legacy and foster change.

Abuse, Trauma, and Vulnerabilities Referring into Service:

Navigating the complex terrain of abuse, trauma, and vulnerabilities can be a daunting journey, fraught with challenges and uncertainties. At The Forgotten Boys, we understand the profound impact these experiences can have on individuals and families, and we are committed to providing compassionate support and guidance to those in need.

Introducing Joe and Lewis, our dedicated professionals. They serve as invaluable sources of assistance and support for individuals seeking healing and recovery. They are  qualified therapists with lived experience in their fields of expertise.

Sharing knowledge with Practitioners and Professionals

The Forgotten Boys offer their expertise and share their lived experiences with committed Practitioners and Professionals, who would want to improve practice and increase their knowledge of abuse, the exploitation of children, suicide and trauma. Our core work on the abuse of children in Correctional Institutions was learned the hardest way of all, by living it, every horrible, nasty memory. touch, smell, act, and face a constant reminder of a childhood ripped apart that cannot and must not ever be forgotten.

Because child abuse destroys the heart and soul of the adult The Forgotten Boys have lived experience in homelessness; addictions, poor metal health, broken relationships, coercion and controlling behaviours, and many other poor life choices or by circumstance. We add a valued voice, to service practice and policy

The Forgotten Boys help improve practitioner and organizational service in: Policy, Practice, Delivery, Training, Grant / funding input.

Some of The Forgotten Boys have worked with, added value or had input with the following:

• The NWG Network
• Barnardo's
• The Police
• Local Children's Safeguarding Boards
• The Home Office
• NHS CAMHS
• The Office of National Statistics
• The Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse
• The NSPCC
• Edinburgh University
• Greenwich University
• The FFG Foundation
• England Boxing
• SARC
• and a wide variety of sports clubs and grassroots charities