Please be aware that some documents and articles shared through the Voices Through Time programme may make for uncomfortable reading.
Coram’s records date back nearly 300 years, over which time there have been huge shifts in attitudes and behaviours across society. These attitudes and behaviours are often reflected in the way women and children were treated and in the language used in documents. These are no longer acceptable today. For example, mothers may have been assaulted, children harshly punished, and language around race, disability, sexuality and gender shocking to modern readers. While acknowledging their inappropriateness, it is important to recognise the historical context.
A note to volunteers in our transcription project: Some words and phrases have changed meaning completely or are used in a different way today. It is therefore important not to assume what is being described without checking the context. If you find any words and phrases that strike or concern you, feel free to leave a comment about them in our message board here. We are interested in how terms have changed through the course of the records and we are looking forward to sharing, discussing and learning about them together.
If you have been affected or triggered by any of the content on the website or Archive records, the following organisations may be of help:
Supportline
A contact list of services available in the UK and advice on a range of issues
https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/a-z
Samaritans
Helpline: 116 123 (free of charge from a landline or mobile)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
www.samaritans.org
24 hr helpline offering emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.
Assist
www.assisttraumacare.org.uk
Emotional and practical support to individuals, families and anyone affected by trauma.
Cruse Bereavement Care
Helpline 0808 808 1677
www.cruse.org.uk
Provides support services for people who have been bereaved. Helpline offering listening support and practical advice related to bereavement, including dealing with an estate, debt and arranging a funeral. Puts people in touch with local cruse branches that provide a range of services including individual and group support.
National Association for People Abused in Childhood – NAPAC
Helpline: 0808 801 0331
Email: info@napac.org.uk
https://napac.org.uk
National support line for adult survivors of child abuse.
Rape Crisis
Helpline: 0808 802 9999
Email: rcewinfo@rapecrisis.org.uk
rapecrisis.org.uk
A charity that supports people affected by sexual abuse.