Memorial bench for child sexual abuse victims unveiled in Ashdown Forest

The Milne and Shepard memorial, named after creators of the Winnie the Pooh children’s book, is one of 200 memorial benches and plaques being placed across England and Wales, sponsored by the by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).

Nusrat Ghani, MP for Wealden, officially unveiled the bench in the Forest, saying: “Nothing is more wicked than hurting a child, and there is no excuse for those who perpetrate this abhorrent crime. I pay tribute to the victims and survivors who have shared their testimonies and experiences. It is not easy coming forward to seek help and it takes a lion heart to take on the perpetrator.

"For a number of years, I have been working with the children’s charity Barnardo’s and I chaired a cross-party inquiry into tackling child sexual abuse and preventing children from sexually abusing other children.

"I will continue campaigning on behalf of victims in Wealden and nationwide, and I am pleased that this new bench on our beautiful Ashdown Forest will contribute to ensuring that their voices continue to be heard, so that children can be better protected in the future.”

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Each bench is inscribed with uplifting messages gathered directly from victims and survivors who have taken part in the Inquiry's Truth Project.

The legacy project pays tribute to all victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and reminds people of the importance of protecting children.

Anyone who is concerned about a child in East Sussex for any reason can make a referral through Single Point of Advice on 01323 464222 or via clicking here