The founder of an Ipswich charity is "proud, humbled, and grateful" to have been awarded for her services to survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Fiona Jane Ellis, chief executive officer of Survivors in Transition, was recognised in the New Year Honours list for 2023, the first during the reign of King Charles III.

Ms Ellis was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday (November 8), for her services to survivors of childhood sexual abuse as part of the charity.

Ms Ellis said: "I am proud, humbled, and grateful. It is so important for survivors of sexual violence to see someone honoured in this way. I believe it will give people courage.

Ipswich Star: Fiona Ellis founded the charity with Clare Wilson in 2010Fiona Ellis founded the charity with Clare Wilson in 2010 (Image: Supplied by Survivors in Transition)

"In this process, we must not forget what this is all about. Whilst I am at the front being awarded, Clare (Wilson) set up the charity with me, so many others have put in so much work, and we must never forget the survivors at the centre of it all who inspire us every day to do what we do.

"This is for every survivor who has and will come through our doors. You are worth it."

Ms Ellis founded Survivors in Transition with Clare Wilson in 2010 after identifying a gap in services for adults living with the trauma of child sexual abuse.

The charity started as a volunteer-led drop-in centre offering support for women who had survived child sexual abuse.

Under the direction and vision of Ms Ellis, the charity grew from a weekly drop-in session run by volunteers to employing 15 staff and more than 50 sub-contract therapists.

In its first ten years, a total of 3,123 people were in contact with the charity. 

Ms Ellis still works to improve support for survivors, and the wider understanding and perception around the issue of sexual abuse in childhood.