20 December 2023
The independent and confidential Listening Service was set up in mid-2019. It was first publicised at the time of Dilworth’s September 2019 announcement and apology to former students about historical sexual abuse at the School. Since then, the support offered by the Listening Service has been promoted through Dilworth Response, Dilworth Old Boys Association (DOBA), the independent Dilworth Inquiry, and the independent Dilworth Redress Programme. It has also been publicised in some news media reports.
The Listening Service provides; (1) an opportunity for former students and their family members to speak with a professional about their experiences at Dilworth School or any other matters important to them; (2) referrals to fully funded therapy and psychological support from a clinical psychologist or other professional therapy provider experienced in the area of sexual abuse; and (3) resourcing of other supports required e.g., specialist input, rehabilitation.
Since its inception, the Listening Service has been run by two senior clinical psychologists, both with long experience in working with survivors of child abuse. One is responsible for speaking with people who contact the Listening Service, and the other for sourcing and vetting therapy providers, managing invoices, and acting as an interface to the Board for any special requests that might be made by former students.
To date, the Listening Service has been contacted by over 200 individuals, predominantly former Dilworth students, but also their family members. Referrals to therapy for 170 people have been
made to clinical psychologists and other professional providers throughout New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and parts of Europe.