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#24 Maxi Leigh: Supporting survivors of child abuse
In this episode I chat with the amazing Maxi Leigh, founder of an incredible charity called Support for Survivors (S4S).
S4S focuses on supporting survivors of child abuse. As many of you will know, this is a cause very close to my heart, and because of that it was both thought-provoking and emotion-stirring, but in all the right ways.
Maxi had a really difficult upbringing; suffering from sexual abuse for many years. We talk about how the abuse she suffered resulted in a drug and alcohol dependency from her mid-teens onwards, in particular, drugs became a major part of her life to numb the pain from her past. Alongside this, Maxi suffered from psychosis, suicidal thoughts – as well as anorexia and body dysmorphia. She also suffered from a mental breakdown later in life.
Her recovery started when she opened-up to other survivors; finally gaining clarity that she wasn’t alone and that others had been through similar trauma. After many years of recovery, and though her own experiences, Maxi decided to set up S4S eight years ago. It’s a charity that many survivors now depend on nationally in the UK and has resulted in a whole range of awards and accolades not just for the charity, but for Maxi personally as well.
This is a conversation about resilience, the power of community, finding your voice, bravery – and ultimately not letting the pain of our pasts control and define our future.
I want to say a massive thank you to Maxi for this conversation – I felt really privileged to have had it and to now be sharing it with you.
DISCLAIMER: This conversation contains themes of child abuse and addiction. If you are affected by these topics, please know that you’re not alone and you don’t need to suffer in silence. Alongside S4S, I’ve listed a few other resources below.
Need help?
- Support for Survivors
- Mind – help for those suffering with mental help problems
- Samaritans – telephone support for anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide
- Shout – text support for anyone suffering from a range of issues from anxiety and depression to suicidal thoughts
- NHS recommended support services
Join the Connections Untold community:
Other episodes you may like:
- #4 Marion Hart: Our negative experiences don't define us
- #1 Sid Sottung: Addiction, recovery and transformation
View all episodes
By Ricky WeaverIn this episode I chat with the amazing Maxi Leigh, founder of an incredible charity called Support for Survivors (S4S).
S4S focuses on supporting survivors of child abuse. As many of you will know, this is a cause very close to my heart, and because of that it was both thought-provoking and emotion-stirring, but in all the right ways.
Maxi had a really difficult upbringing; suffering from sexual abuse for many years. We talk about how the abuse she suffered resulted in a drug and alcohol dependency from her mid-teens onwards, in particular, drugs became a major part of her life to numb the pain from her past. Alongside this, Maxi suffered from psychosis, suicidal thoughts – as well as anorexia and body dysmorphia. She also suffered from a mental breakdown later in life.
Her recovery started when she opened-up to other survivors; finally gaining clarity that she wasn’t alone and that others had been through similar trauma. After many years of recovery, and though her own experiences, Maxi decided to set up S4S eight years ago. It’s a charity that many survivors now depend on nationally in the UK and has resulted in a whole range of awards and accolades not just for the charity, but for Maxi personally as well.
This is a conversation about resilience, the power of community, finding your voice, bravery – and ultimately not letting the pain of our pasts control and define our future.
I want to say a massive thank you to Maxi for this conversation – I felt really privileged to have had it and to now be sharing it with you.
DISCLAIMER: This conversation contains themes of child abuse and addiction. If you are affected by these topics, please know that you’re not alone and you don’t need to suffer in silence. Alongside S4S, I’ve listed a few other resources below.
Need help?
- Support for Survivors
- Mind – help for those suffering with mental help problems
- Samaritans – telephone support for anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide
- Shout – text support for anyone suffering from a range of issues from anxiety and depression to suicidal thoughts
- NHS recommended support services
Join the Connections Untold community:
Other episodes you may like:
- #4 Marion Hart: Our negative experiences don't define us
- #1 Sid Sottung: Addiction, recovery and transformation