The Flying Child
@theflyingchild.bsky.social
📣Leading Conversations About #CSA Through Survivor-Led Training, Campaigning & Support
🌸Sophie Olson: Founder/activist/writer
📖Author of The Flying Child - A Cautionary Fairy Tale For Adults 🌸(ZunTold)
#TheFlyingChildStory #CSASurvivorSky
🌸Sophie Olson: Founder/activist/writer
📖Author of The Flying Child - A Cautionary Fairy Tale For Adults 🌸(ZunTold)
#TheFlyingChildStory #CSASurvivorSky
My two youngest have started watching @bbceastenders.bsky.social
- and while the storylines can be intense, they open up important conversations that are harder to start. 🧵
- and while the storylines can be intense, they open up important conversations that are harder to start. 🧵
November 7, 2025 at 12:28 PM
My two youngest have started watching @bbceastenders.bsky.social
- and while the storylines can be intense, they open up important conversations that are harder to start. 🧵
- and while the storylines can be intense, they open up important conversations that are harder to start. 🧵
Two keynotes. Two cities. Countless conversations about #CSA with MH & SW practitioners. I met with many who want to make a difference. Today I’m speaking at AD4E Festival. On Sunday Patricia Walsh (#TheFlyingChildStory) & I meet with UK Counselling Network
Tired but grateful to be in these spaces 🌸
Tired but grateful to be in these spaces 🌸
November 7, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Two keynotes. Two cities. Countless conversations about #CSA with MH & SW practitioners. I met with many who want to make a difference. Today I’m speaking at AD4E Festival. On Sunday Patricia Walsh (#TheFlyingChildStory) & I meet with UK Counselling Network
Tired but grateful to be in these spaces 🌸
Tired but grateful to be in these spaces 🌸
I’m sure most people would prefer to not work on a Sunday, so I’m really impressed that so many therapists from Child in Time
turned up to a talk about my experience of surviving CSA and the impacts on my adult life. 1/
turned up to a talk about my experience of surviving CSA and the impacts on my adult life. 1/
October 12, 2025 at 4:48 PM
I’m sure most people would prefer to not work on a Sunday, so I’m really impressed that so many therapists from Child in Time
turned up to a talk about my experience of surviving CSA and the impacts on my adult life. 1/
turned up to a talk about my experience of surviving CSA and the impacts on my adult life. 1/
Some lovely feedback shared on LinkedIn by Sally Benson, Director of U.K. Counselling Network, following my talk to counsellors. ♥️🌸
#CSA #Survivor #counselling #therapy
#CSA #Survivor #counselling #therapy
June 11, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Some lovely feedback shared on LinkedIn by Sally Benson, Director of U.K. Counselling Network, following my talk to counsellors. ♥️🌸
#CSA #Survivor #counselling #therapy
#CSA #Survivor #counselling #therapy
Last night I presented to U.K. Counselling Network. The aim of my talk was to explore systemic challenges in responding to victims and survivors of CSA - from my perspective as a survivor not adequately supported by the mental health system, to live alongside trauma. 1/
June 11, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Last night I presented to U.K. Counselling Network. The aim of my talk was to explore systemic challenges in responding to victims and survivors of CSA - from my perspective as a survivor not adequately supported by the mental health system, to live alongside trauma. 1/
This word count feels like an important milestone. Thank you to those who have offered to read and feedback on my first draft.
Few more chapters to write, but there is a clear direction now and I’m loving the process. Writing is the Best. Thing. Ever.
#secondbook
Few more chapters to write, but there is a clear direction now and I’m loving the process. Writing is the Best. Thing. Ever.
#secondbook
May 26, 2025 at 4:32 PM
This word count feels like an important milestone. Thank you to those who have offered to read and feedback on my first draft.
Few more chapters to write, but there is a clear direction now and I’m loving the process. Writing is the Best. Thing. Ever.
#secondbook
Few more chapters to write, but there is a clear direction now and I’m loving the process. Writing is the Best. Thing. Ever.
#secondbook
Nothing more to add.
May 14, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Nothing more to add.
Today was a recording day for The Flying Child audiobook. It’s an important process, but far from easy. (Today I was reading in a recording studio about CSA that took place in a recording studio - that was most likely part of a far wider distribution of CSAM (#TACSA)
I am reflecting on:
I am reflecting on:
May 6, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Today was a recording day for The Flying Child audiobook. It’s an important process, but far from easy. (Today I was reading in a recording studio about CSA that took place in a recording studio - that was most likely part of a far wider distribution of CSAM (#TACSA)
I am reflecting on:
I am reflecting on:
If you are struggling because of the headlines today, please do reach out for support @rapecrisis.bsky.social ♥️🌸
#VirginiaGiuffre
#VirginiaGiuffre
April 26, 2025 at 10:06 AM
If you are struggling because of the headlines today, please do reach out for support @rapecrisis.bsky.social ♥️🌸
#VirginiaGiuffre
#VirginiaGiuffre
Today we were recording #TheFlyingChildStory. It’s not easy reading some of my early messages to Pat. They include my ‘rehearsals’ of the words I couldn’t speak. I felt in very safe hands with Toni directing, and Will - the sound engineer - who was a calm and patient presence
#audiobook. #CSA
#audiobook. #CSA
April 1, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Today we were recording #TheFlyingChildStory. It’s not easy reading some of my early messages to Pat. They include my ‘rehearsals’ of the words I couldn’t speak. I felt in very safe hands with Toni directing, and Will - the sound engineer - who was a calm and patient presence
#audiobook. #CSA
#audiobook. #CSA
Day 1 of #TheFlyingChildStory #audiobook:
Rehearsals with Creative Director, Toni, & a morning visit to see the recording studio & meet the lovely team, including our sound engineer.
The recording of this book is a mammoth task, but I’m up for the challenge. Excited to see it come to life
#CSA
Rehearsals with Creative Director, Toni, & a morning visit to see the recording studio & meet the lovely team, including our sound engineer.
The recording of this book is a mammoth task, but I’m up for the challenge. Excited to see it come to life
#CSA
March 26, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Day 1 of #TheFlyingChildStory #audiobook:
Rehearsals with Creative Director, Toni, & a morning visit to see the recording studio & meet the lovely team, including our sound engineer.
The recording of this book is a mammoth task, but I’m up for the challenge. Excited to see it come to life
#CSA
Rehearsals with Creative Director, Toni, & a morning visit to see the recording studio & meet the lovely team, including our sound engineer.
The recording of this book is a mammoth task, but I’m up for the challenge. Excited to see it come to life
#CSA
Today I’ve been at the University of Winchester, working with Midwifery. As always, I used my own lived experience as a springboard for further discussion. My aim was to empower midwives to recognise their role in responding to survivors with compassion, empathy and understanding.
#maternity #CSA
#maternity #CSA
March 24, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Today I’ve been at the University of Winchester, working with Midwifery. As always, I used my own lived experience as a springboard for further discussion. My aim was to empower midwives to recognise their role in responding to survivors with compassion, empathy and understanding.
#maternity #CSA
#maternity #CSA
It’s an honour to be a speaker in the next series of external lectures organised by Tavistock Trauma Service. I’ll take attendees on my journey through #CSA and the compounding impacts of medicalised intervention, eventually seeking an alternative in the form of human-centred, empathic therapy.
March 20, 2025 at 8:22 PM
It’s an honour to be a speaker in the next series of external lectures organised by Tavistock Trauma Service. I’ll take attendees on my journey through #CSA and the compounding impacts of medicalised intervention, eventually seeking an alternative in the form of human-centred, empathic therapy.
We have 🌸✨FOUR 🌸✨spaces left in our next online writing group!
It is a well-established group and a gently faciliated space, with no pressure to share work unless you want. Whilst not a therapy group, wellbeing support is available. Open to all adult survivors of #CSA
groups@theflyingchild.com
It is a well-established group and a gently faciliated space, with no pressure to share work unless you want. Whilst not a therapy group, wellbeing support is available. Open to all adult survivors of #CSA
groups@theflyingchild.com
March 19, 2025 at 4:42 PM
We have 🌸✨FOUR 🌸✨spaces left in our next online writing group!
It is a well-established group and a gently faciliated space, with no pressure to share work unless you want. Whilst not a therapy group, wellbeing support is available. Open to all adult survivors of #CSA
groups@theflyingchild.com
It is a well-established group and a gently faciliated space, with no pressure to share work unless you want. Whilst not a therapy group, wellbeing support is available. Open to all adult survivors of #CSA
groups@theflyingchild.com
Age 9 months - 10 yrs - chronic nosebleeds requiring urgent and frequent cauterisation: “No known cause.”
Age 11: onset of severe scoliosis. Within one year the cause of chronic and near-constant pain: “No known cause.” 1/
Age 11: onset of severe scoliosis. Within one year the cause of chronic and near-constant pain: “No known cause.” 1/
February 25, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Age 9 months - 10 yrs - chronic nosebleeds requiring urgent and frequent cauterisation: “No known cause.”
Age 11: onset of severe scoliosis. Within one year the cause of chronic and near-constant pain: “No known cause.” 1/
Age 11: onset of severe scoliosis. Within one year the cause of chronic and near-constant pain: “No known cause.” 1/
If you have read the book, and you found it helpful, please do consider leaving an Amazon review. 🌸♥️
@zuntold.bsky.social
#CSA #therapy #counselling #trauma end/
@zuntold.bsky.social
#CSA #therapy #counselling #trauma end/
February 25, 2025 at 6:36 PM
If you have read the book, and you found it helpful, please do consider leaving an Amazon review. 🌸♥️
@zuntold.bsky.social
#CSA #therapy #counselling #trauma end/
@zuntold.bsky.social
#CSA #therapy #counselling #trauma end/
I was at Making Survivors Visible In Education conference, delivering survivor-centred workshops into systemic barriers that stand in the way of meaningful support. I also got interviewed by the BBC, who worked very respectfully, considering I can’t be visible #CSA
➡️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B34...
➡️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B34...
February 22, 2025 at 9:22 AM
I was at Making Survivors Visible In Education conference, delivering survivor-centred workshops into systemic barriers that stand in the way of meaningful support. I also got interviewed by the BBC, who worked very respectfully, considering I can’t be visible #CSA
➡️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B34...
➡️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B34...
On day 6 of #ItsNotOk:
Be mindful of using the term ‘trauma p**n’ or ‘trauma dumping’ to describe the stories survivors of CSA are disclosing - some after decades of silence. It’s shaming, and demoralising. 1/
Be mindful of using the term ‘trauma p**n’ or ‘trauma dumping’ to describe the stories survivors of CSA are disclosing - some after decades of silence. It’s shaming, and demoralising. 1/
February 8, 2025 at 7:07 PM
On day 6 of #ItsNotOk:
Be mindful of using the term ‘trauma p**n’ or ‘trauma dumping’ to describe the stories survivors of CSA are disclosing - some after decades of silence. It’s shaming, and demoralising. 1/
Be mindful of using the term ‘trauma p**n’ or ‘trauma dumping’ to describe the stories survivors of CSA are disclosing - some after decades of silence. It’s shaming, and demoralising. 1/
If you want to join in the conversation share campaigns, highlight support services, dispel myths and amplify the voices that should be heard, you can find more information here, as well as the free to download logos for your posts.
sexualabuseandsexualviolenceawarenessweek.org
#ITSNOTOK
sexualabuseandsexualviolenceawarenessweek.org
#ITSNOTOK
February 3, 2025 at 8:01 AM
If you want to join in the conversation share campaigns, highlight support services, dispel myths and amplify the voices that should be heard, you can find more information here, as well as the free to download logos for your posts.
sexualabuseandsexualviolenceawarenessweek.org
#ITSNOTOK
sexualabuseandsexualviolenceawarenessweek.org
#ITSNOTOK
It’s an honour to be keynote speaker at NSPCC Partnerships & Development day. I’ll explore how we can better understand the individual needs of survivors when lived & living experience is placed at the very centre of development, delivery & decision making.
#TheFlyingChildStory @nspcc.bsky.social
#TheFlyingChildStory @nspcc.bsky.social
February 2, 2025 at 9:47 PM
It’s an honour to be keynote speaker at NSPCC Partnerships & Development day. I’ll explore how we can better understand the individual needs of survivors when lived & living experience is placed at the very centre of development, delivery & decision making.
#TheFlyingChildStory @nspcc.bsky.social
#TheFlyingChildStory @nspcc.bsky.social
I'll be posting a bit more in the next few days, but in the meantime, strength and solidarity to victims and survivors who might be feeling rather lost in the noise of it all. You are not alone. As a survivor of CSA, I'm sick and tired of empty words, and of feeling drawn into this toxicity. #CSA
![[Video ID: two sad looking stick figure survivors sit between angry looking people. Words in individual shapes read: "Damage limitation, faux concern, meaningless statements, lies, political gain, division, empty promises, insults, cover up and hypocrisy." The words: "What about us?" are written in the cloud that rains over the heads of the two survivors. Text at the bottom reads: The Flying Child - leading conversations about child sexual abuse - 'Society's Shame Not Mine'. The Flying Child logo is to the bottom right]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:6kly3feeroya4pno4h7wskhs/bafkreifzjkzkm2utme2icv3ktko5vief3t4kxf6vvrhlq22p35yt2nhjv4@jpeg)
January 8, 2025 at 6:23 PM
I'll be posting a bit more in the next few days, but in the meantime, strength and solidarity to victims and survivors who might be feeling rather lost in the noise of it all. You are not alone. As a survivor of CSA, I'm sick and tired of empty words, and of feeling drawn into this toxicity. #CSA
A long 🧵 . Please read to end 🙏🏼
Today was the annual New Year gathering, in my childhood home - a place where I was sexually abused. I lived there until I was 18. The perpetrator is no longer there but the memories of abuse are - in my old bedroom where he would come to ‘kiss me goodnight’. 1/
Today was the annual New Year gathering, in my childhood home - a place where I was sexually abused. I lived there until I was 18. The perpetrator is no longer there but the memories of abuse are - in my old bedroom where he would come to ‘kiss me goodnight’. 1/
January 3, 2025 at 7:23 PM
A long 🧵 . Please read to end 🙏🏼
Today was the annual New Year gathering, in my childhood home - a place where I was sexually abused. I lived there until I was 18. The perpetrator is no longer there but the memories of abuse are - in my old bedroom where he would come to ‘kiss me goodnight’. 1/
Today was the annual New Year gathering, in my childhood home - a place where I was sexually abused. I lived there until I was 18. The perpetrator is no longer there but the memories of abuse are - in my old bedroom where he would come to ‘kiss me goodnight’. 1/
Wishing you love, peace and hope this Christmas- from Sophie and The Flying Child team.
If you are in need of support, @rapecrisis.bsky.social support line is open 24 hrs a day, every day of the year:
0808 500 2222
🌸♥️
If you are in need of support, @rapecrisis.bsky.social support line is open 24 hrs a day, every day of the year:
0808 500 2222
🌸♥️
December 22, 2024 at 2:51 PM
Wishing you love, peace and hope this Christmas- from Sophie and The Flying Child team.
If you are in need of support, @rapecrisis.bsky.social support line is open 24 hrs a day, every day of the year:
0808 500 2222
🌸♥️
If you are in need of support, @rapecrisis.bsky.social support line is open 24 hrs a day, every day of the year:
0808 500 2222
🌸♥️