News
Break the Silence, the charity based in north and east Ayrshire supporting Survivors of childhood sexual abuse, has launched its newly redesigned website and updated branding, built around the needs of three core audiences: Survivors, Supporters, and Stakeholders.
The redesign follows extensive feedback from the charity’s client‑led advisory group and has endeavoured to embed neurodiversity‑friendly, trauma‑informed principles at every stage of design.
Navigation has been simplified so each audience can quickly find the information most relevant to them, from how to access our support service, to ways to donate, fundraise or partner, to governance and impact reporting.
The project was made possible thanks to funding from The Clothworkers’ Foundation, whose support enabled Break the Silence to create a more accessible, Survivor‑centred digital experience.
Key features of the new site include:
- Clear, step‑by‑step information about what happens when someone contacts the service, including what to expect in sessions, the range of therapies we work with, and our team of counsellors.
- Plain language, strong colour contrast, and semantic structure to support screen readers, magnifiers, and other assistive technologies, developed with guidance from accessible web design experts.
- Multiple formats (written, visual, and video) so people can engage in the way that feels safest and most manageable for them.
- No accessibility plug‑ins or overlays in favour of a clean, standards‑based build that works smoothly with users’ own tools and settings.
Alongside the website, which was developed by Glasgow-based digital agency Nexus, Break the Silence has launched a new introductory video created specifically for Survivors seeking support.
The film was produced in collaboration with Reverie Films, whose team worked closely with the charity to ensure a sensitive, trauma‑informed narrative. Filmed at Eglinton Country Park with thanks to North Ayrshire Council, the video answers the question many Survivors ask first: ‘Is this the right place for me?’
The video has been translated into British Sign Language (BSL) by Edinburgh charity Deaf Action to widen accessibility further.
Lesley Craig, CEO – Operations at Break the Silence, said:
“Listening to Survivors has shaped everything we’ve done. From the way the site is structured to the language we use and the video we’ve created, our aim is to make it as easy and safe as possible for someone to find us, understand what we offer, and decide whether to reach out.
“Accessibility isn’t an add‑on for us; it’s basic good design and a well thought-out approach. We are hugely grateful to The Clothworkers’ Foundation for funding this vital project and helping us put client needs front and centre.
“Our thanks also go to our excellent partners at Nexus, Reverie Films, and Deaf Action, whose expertise, sensitivity and creativity have contributed to the fantastic outcome of this project.”
Notes to editors
Break the Silence provides specialist support for Survivors of childhood sexual abuse in North and East Ayrshire.
You can find out more about our service and how to contact Break the Silence, including making a referral to the service, at: Break The Silence – Professional support for survivors of childhood sexual abuse
The Survivor-focused BSL-translated video can be viewed here: Can We Help You? – Break the Silence
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