SARAH'S STORY

Before I contacted the Daisy Programme, I was in survival mode. I wasn't living,I was just existing. I couldn't see a way forward and felt utterly overwhelmed. At the time, I didn't believe anyone could truly understand what I was going through. In fact, I could

barely understand it myself.

 

It was the police who first signposted me to the Daisy Programme. I remember feeling scared and vulnerable, but the first person I spoke to was so patient. She made me feel safe, seen, and listened to. Nothing felt rushed or too much - everything happened at a pace I could manage.

 

From there, the support was life-changing. Weekly check-in calls, group sessions, and counselling helped me rebuild my sense of self. The counselling came at the perfect time and allowed me to process my trauma. Through group work, I connected with others

who had similar experiences, people who understood. Together, we grew in strength, and it was deeply empowering.

 

At that time, I was a single parent to a disabled child with complex needs. My own trauma was compounded by the daily challenges of parenting a child who was also struggling. When his support began with the Fantastic Families Service, he was often angry and reacted physically towards me and others. But the team were incredibly patient and flexible, adapting to his needs and working in a way that made him feel safe and understood.

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They never saw him as "damaged" or "bad." Through trauma-informed support, they helped him understand that his feelings were valid, that his experiences had led to his

behaviour and that none of that diminished his worth. He began to see himself as someone with positive qualities, someone who mattered. Over time, he learned to communicate more effectively, regulate his emotions,and love himself again.

 

Today, everything looks different. I'm working full time. My son is attending school. I've found hobbies I enjoy again. And last year, I took my son on holiday, something I never thought I'd be able to do. I used to look at other people doing things like that and think, "That will never be me." But now, it is.

 

The Daisy Programme helped us find hope again. It didn't just change my life-it changed my son's. And for that, I will be forever grateful.