Rosa has lived in Camden since the age of 5 and is the founder of Survivors Can Shine. She grew up in an abusive environment, abused by her primary caregiver. She went to bed in fear and woke up in fear, silenced by her abuser through shame, guilt, fear and a misplaced need to protect her.

Although signs of abuse were clearly evident, she was labelled a 'Problem Child' and passed on from one school to the next. She could not concentrate in class or relate to other children as she had long since become an adult. No one asked questions and she was too afraid to tell. She found through music, dance and drama she was able to express herself. She didn't realise then, just how important these forms of expression would be in helping her survive her childhood.

Aged fourteen, Rosa ran away from home to escape her abuser. She thought the worst was behind her, she did not know that you cannot hide from trauma. This led her down endless paths of self-destruction as she attempted to suppress the painful memories.

Both Rosa and her brother, a Deputy Head Teacher and Child Protection Worker, suffer from lifelong physical and mental health conditions medically linked to trauma. In 2017, they finally spoke out and took their abuser to court seeking justice and accountability for the abuse they suffered at her hands. Their mother was acquitted of all charges. Rosa took to social media, reaching out to other survivors and organisations who raise awareness of child abuse and the systemic injustices which fail so many.

Rosa is a strong campaigner and has worked with organisations across the UK raising awareness and supporting survivors of abuse. She has given talks on her lived experience and the impact of childhood trauma at universities and safeguarding conferences. She is an active member of the forum for the Truth Project and has contributed to the review of victims’ law held by the Victims Commissioner for London. Rosa was appointed Child Abuse Ambassador for ‘Respect Yourself’, a charity providing advocacy and support for young people.

Through her work Rosa saw the pattern of abuse, trauma and predictable outcomes related to mental and physical health. She was shocked by the lack of open conversation and opportunity for children to speak out and be heard. She founded Survivors Can Shine to lift the taboo on speaking about abuse and break the silence that abusers rely on. She created the I Shine, Speak Out Ambassadors for Change programme to provide a platform to empower children and celebrate their voices. Leading with a multi-agency approach and establishing transparency between services, her mission is to ensure that no child is left without a voice.

'I no longer feel ashamed or that I have to hide from my childhood, the determination I had to survive as a child is what gave me the strength I have to continue today.'

A graduate in performing arts with a wealth of experience in mentoring and co-facilitating workshops for children and young people, Montana represents young people's voices on the board of directors.

Montana has taught theatre in inner city schools and run drama therapy  workshops at young offenders' institutions.

She is a member of performance group So La Flair, a solid group of young women pushing boundaries of storytelling to disrupt and dismantle dominant discourses of race, gender, sexuality and class. The group's touring show sold out at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2022.

Montana has a passionate belief in the power of performing arts to act as a catalyst for young people to develop responsibility and pride in their own creativity, amplify their voices on issues that matter to them, and create social change.

Lily has spent the last 6 years of her career working within the non-profit sector. From fundraising at one of the largest mental health charities to running the communications at a mental health and wellbeing organisation for students, she has experience across both small and large organisations.  

She graduated in 2016 with a degree in Media & Communications and has gone on to run events at organisations like The Times & Sunday Times, before making the jump into the charity sector after looking for something more rewarding.   

Lily has recently completed her foundation course in Counselling & Psychotherapy and is obsessed with all thing’s psychology. She’s keen to use her passion for psychology to help ensure young people feel empowered. Sometimes all it takes is someone that’s willing to really listen.  

“I am so happy to be part of the Ambassadors for Change Programme as I know first-hand the importance of feeling like you can speak out. I want to be a part of shaping the generations to come and changing the narrative around abuse to ensure that children can create solid foundations to thrive.”

Joe West is the Head of Philanthropy at Bloomsbury Football Foundation, a London-based sport for change charity. He holds a BA in English Literature from the University of Leeds. Leading the fundraising team since 2021, Joe has played a key role in growing the organisation to support over 5000 young people a week to access the benefits of regular participation in football.  

His work at Bloomsbury is informed by his desire to create positive and supportive environments for young people, and his belief in the pivotal role that sport can play in improving people’s lives.  

We are so thrilled to have Joe be a part Survivors can Shine and we know that his work in philanthropy and fundraising will play a huge role in the growth of Survivors Can Shine.

His passion and dedication for young people and protecting their rights will make him a pivotal part of our organisation.   

“I’m so proud to be part of Survivors Can Shine and support their work in empowering children to advocate for their rights, ensuring that every child is seen and heard.”