*To protect our service users, names & photos of service users have been changed. Images are from Adobe Stock.
Mia’s Story
“Being in the refuge was a big turning point. They had a course that really helped me understand what I had been through. It helped me realise how trauma and stress had affected me, and how it had affected my children. It was amazing to see that, not just for me, but for them too. The foundation of support we got there made a huge difference. Having that support system, knowing they were liaising with other agencies to get the help I needed – it all really helped me start breathing again. It was like a whole new chapter where I wasn’t doing everything alone anymore.”
“The STAR programme was really great, I’ve learned so much. One of the things I’ve really appreciated is how the programme reinforced what I already knew – that the experiences we’ve been through have had an impact on us, and on the kids too. I think sometimes, when you’re in the middle of everything, you can feel like you’re doing something wrong or like you’re not a good parent because of the way your kids react or the struggles they have. But the programme helped me see that this isn’t the case – it’s all about understanding the lasting effects of trauma and how it affects both me and my children. They needed to hear that their feelings were valid, that they weren’t wrong for feeling the way they do. They really loved the activities that focused on self-appreciation, recognising their strengths, and things like that. The inspirational stuff – being able to talk about things like that – it really boosted their confidence. It was nice to see them feeling more cheerful, happy, and self-assured. The learnt to trust themselves and have good boundaries.”
“Being in a refuge run by Solace Women’s Aid was such a lifeline. The support was just incredible, and it gave me the space to work through things I had never been able to face before.”
Claire’s story:
Claire had witnessed her mother being abused physically, financially and emotionally and had also been emotionally abused herself.
Through regular key work sessions and trusting relationships, Claire has opened up about her past trauma and how this has had an impact on her emotional wellbeing. Her Family Support worker has successfully supported Claire to start Play Therapy with Solace. The Family Support worker also linked Claire into a service that supports young adults and children to find a job, create a CV, gain interview skills and explore further career options. With the support of Solace staff, Claire has also enrolled at college for a hair and beauty course.
Before, Claire was a shy and introverted young woman who wasn’t open to discussions or interactions with others, including professionals. Claire was depressed and felt isolated, resulting in lack of motivation and lack of trust to succeed with her career. She avoided approaching Solace staff when she was initially introduced to the service. However, with the consistency of key work sessions, transparency of sharing emotions and accepting negative thoughts, Claire has changed dramatically. She confidently speaks about her feelings, is honest and is engaging well with all professionals involved. With Solace staff’s regular encouragement, Claire has a different mind-set and she is working towards her aims and goals. Claire feels confident to speak about her past experience and to be a voice to the younger generation who have also experienced domestic abuse.
Asha’s story:
“My children love to have STAR sessions every Tuesday. They are so happy to have sessions each week with the Specialist Family Support Worker and they are happy after the sessions. Yesterday, my son brought up a drawing he had made in one of the sessions. It was of the three of us and he said, ‘mummy protects me’. They are learning family values. There have been so many sessions for the kids, also the play therapy, FSW sessions and parties, they are happy here. My son doesn’t want to leave the refuge after six months.”
“I won’t forget these six months in refuge in my lifetime. It has changed me completely. Before I was always overthinking and worried, and now I am in Solace, I know that I can be independent. I know how to organise my day and coming weeks. I feel confident and free.”