Video: Charity single released by Shirley Oaks survivors’ group

A charity single is due to be released by a child abuse survivors’ group to mark the end of a two-year investigation.

Shirley Oaks Survivors Association (Sosa) created the track to raise funds and awareness as it published a report into historical abuse at the Shirley Oaks children’s home in Croydon.

Entitled Looking For A Place Called Home, the single, which launches on iTunes on December 16, was conceptualised by Sosa founder and music mogul Raymond Stevenson, who discovered Jessie J.

Featuring 2015 X Factor finalist Max Stone, alongside a gospel choir put together by Mobo winner Isaiah Raymond, the accompanying video also shows victims returning back to the home.

Mr Stevenson said that filming the music video was the first time 250 former residents went back to Shirley Oaks and allowed them to “lay the ghost of our past to rest”.

He added: “It has been an important cathartic moment… and so we hope a lot of people watch it and become inspired to come forward after seeing the video.”

When speaking about the visit to the home, Mr Stevenson said that it “was so hard that some people had to go in small groups on their own”.

He added: “Some people didn’t come on the final day. We came on three coaches. It was extremely hard for every person to go back and face their fears.”

All funds raised through the sale of the single will go to Sosa.

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