What Talk Thru Does

Talk Thru provides free, culturally responsive psychological support for young people affected by distressing experiences of stop and search and policing.

We provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental therapeutic space where young people can talk about what they have experienced, understand how it may be affecting them and develop strategies to manage emotional distress.

Our approach combines evidence-based CBT and trauma-informed practice with an understanding of the cultural and social contexts in which young people live.

Our Service

Who We Support

Our Stop & Search Trauma Support service is for young people aged 13–18 who are experiencing emotional or psychological distress following a stop-and-search experience or other distressing interaction with policing.

This may include young people experiencing:

  • Anxiety or fear

  • Hypervigilance or feeling constantly on guard

  • Anger or emotional distress

  • Intrusive thoughts or memories

  • Sleep difficulties

  • Avoidance of people, places or situations

  • Reduced trust in authority or services

  • Changes in confidence or self-esteem

A young person does not need to have a formal mental health diagnosis to access support.

What Therapy Involves

Following an initial assessment, eligible young people may receive individual CBT and trauma-informed psychological support.

Sessions provide space to:

  • Understand their emotional responses

  • Explore the impact of their experiences

  • Develop practical coping strategies

  • Build emotional regulation skills

  • Challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs

  • Strengthen confidence and self-understanding

We use a young-person-centred approach, adapting therapy to their needs, age, culture and circumstances.

How Many Sessions?

The service will offer:

An initial assessment followed by up to 6–8 individual therapy sessions.

Sessions will normally last 50 minutes and may be delivered online or in an appropriate community setting in Lewisham, subject to availability and clinical suitability.

How Does Referral Work?

Referrals can be made by:

Young people • Parents/carers • Schools • Youth workers • Youth Justice • CAMHS • Social Care • GPs • Community organisations • Charities • Violence Reduction Services • Other professionals

The process is:

1. Referral → 2. Initial screening → 3. Assessment → 4. Therapy → 5. Review & outcomes → 6. Discharge/signposting

What We Don't Provide

Talk Thru provides psychological and therapeutic support. We do not provide:

  • Legal advice

  • Representation in police complaints

  • Advocacy in criminal or civil proceedings

  • Investigation of individual stop-and-search incidents

  • Emergency or crisis services

  • Immediate mental health intervention

Where a young person's needs fall outside our service, we will signpost or refer to an appropriate service where possible.

A note for young people

You don't have to have the “right words” to ask for help.

If an experience has stayed with you, affected how safe you feel, or changed the way you see yourself or other people, Talk Thru provides a space to talk about it.