Skip to main content

Historic abuse & redress claims

Sensitive legal support to help you take the next step

What happened was not your fault. Our team can help you understand your options after abuse, including the Church of England Redress Scheme, at your own pace.

Discuss Your Options - or - Call 0151 515 6880

You do not need to share a detailed account to start a conversation.

A woman using her phone in a comfortable home setting
Sensitive legal adviceSpace to be heard
At your paceTime to consider your options
Clear next stepsGuidance you can understand
Why choose us

Support after abuse, centred on you

Coming forward can feel difficult. Prowse Phillips is here to listen, explain your legal options and help you make an informed decision.

A sensitive first conversation

You can begin by asking how we may be able to help. Share only what you feel ready to, and tell us how and when it is safe to contact you.

Clear advice on your options

We can discuss your circumstances, possible routes to redress and any time limits, including whether the Church of England scheme may be relevant.

Support with your next step

If you would like us to act, we will explain the work involved and any fees before you decide. We will discuss the support and communication you need.

Understanding redress

The Church of England Redress Scheme

Helping you understand what the scheme could mean for you and how our team can support you.

What is the scheme?

Officially called Redress Church of England, the scheme is for survivors of Church-related abuse. Kennedys is the scheme administrator. Prowse Phillips provides independent legal advice and is not the scheme administrator.

Redress may include a financial payment, an apology or therapeutic support. The outcome depends on the scheme’s assessment of each application.

Who might it help?

People who experienced abuse connected with someone acting in a Church of England role, or certain failures by the Church to prevent abuse. Experiences in childhood or adulthood, including many years ago, may be considered.

Eligibility depends on the scheme’s rules and your circumstances. Our team can help you understand the criteria; the administrator makes the final decision.

Clear advice on fees and funding

Eligible applicants can access up to £5,000 towards legal advice, paid by the scheme separately from their award.

We will explain whether funding may apply to your circumstances and discuss any proposed fees before you instruct us.

Speak to Our Team

Ready to discuss your options?

Speak to our team about historic abuse and redress. We will listen and help you understand your next step, at a pace that feels right for you.

Your historic abuse enquiry

Tell us how it is safe to contact you. You do not need to describe what happened. Fields marked * are required.

Your details and contact preferences

Choose the contact method you would like our team to use.

For example, weekday afternoons or any times we should avoid.

A brief message is enough. Please leave out detailed or sensitive information at this stage.

Prefer to call? 0151 515 6880

Frequently asked questions

Historic abuse – your questions answered

Clear information to help you feel more confident about taking the next step.

What if the abuse happened a long time ago?

You can still ask for advice. The Church scheme can consider historic abuse, but other legal routes have their own time limits and rules. We can discuss which options may be relevant to you.

Do I have to describe what happened straight away?

No. For an initial enquiry, you can simply ask to speak to someone about your options. If more information is needed to advise you or take a matter forward, we will explain why and discuss how you would prefer to share it.

What if I am unsure whether the scheme applies to me?

You do not need to work this out alone. We can talk through the connection with the Church and the scheme’s rules. If the abuse happened in another setting, we can discuss whether a different legal route may be relevant. We cannot guarantee eligibility or an award.

Can someone support me when I speak to you?

You are welcome to ask a trusted friend, family member or support worker to join an initial conversation. Let us know about any communication or accessibility needs so we can discuss suitable arrangements.

How will my information be handled?

We handle enquiries in line with our Privacy Policy. Please avoid sending detailed or sensitive information through an initial web enquiry or email. Tell us a safe way to contact you so we can discuss what is needed.

A scheme application is not anonymous. Information may need to be shared for assessment or safeguarding. Read the official scheme FAQs for details.

How can Prowse Phillips help with my application?

We can explain the scheme’s requirements, discuss the information needed and advise you on your options. If you instruct us, we will explain how we can assist with the application process and any proposed fees before work begins.

Additional support

Someone to talk to

Alongside legal advice, these independent organisations offer support for people affected by abuse.

Scheme information checked on 28 September 2026 against the Church of England’s official updates and scheme FAQs. This page provides general information; advice depends on your circumstances.