I was five months pregnant with my son when my Social Worker explained that she had found a place for me and my young daughter in a Refuge.

When I got to the Refuge, Dawn introduced herself, and I started to cry because my spirits were very low. I didn’t know what was going to happen to me and my daughter.

Dawn asked me to sit down and asked if I had eaten or if I had any money. I told her I had eaten that morning, but I did not have any money. Oh Gosh, it was so amazing how some people can just help and turn all things around. Dawn made a phone call and about 15 minutes later there was food everywhere!  But I was still scared. What would become of my daughter and me?  I didn’t know who I could trust because of what I’d been through in my husband’s house.  Well, that’s where it all started.

About three days later, I was introduced to my Key-Worker, Denise. What a lovely generous lady she was. She was there and didn’t judge me. All the staff looked after me and soon I felt safe, happy and protected.

To cut a long story short, the refuge was a good starting point for me. The Refuge made me strong minded and now I can go anywhere and talk to anybody because of the kind of training I got from the Refuge. Denise was always researching and finding out things that could help me, such as looking for Solicitors who could take on my case, because it was a difficult one.

An organization called the Soujourner Project were supporting me during the first eight weeks, paying my rent and giving us £90 a week living expenses, for food and clothing.  Then after the eight weeks, the support stopped, and I had no money.

Denise decided we should go to Social Services and ask for help, as I was not yet entitled to public funding.  They said they would help until I got my leave to remain.  I got a phone call a few weeks later telling me that I had been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain. I couldn’t believe it. I was so happy.

That’s when everything changed. Denise continued to help and support me by finding out all the necessary information I needed. Information about housing, how to get my benefits in to place, and then I moved to an independent flat which was still part of the Refuge. Even though I got my leave to stay, I still wasn’t confident in myself without the help of the staff.  They gave me courage to talk on the phone and to speak my mind, and finally I got my house. Denise came with me to view the property. The staff helped me find some furniture.  I couldn’t thank them enough.

There is a lot to say, but I think I’m going to stop here. Huge thanks go to Di the Manager.  She is loving, funny and she was like a Mum to me.

Thank you all to everyone. I owe you all a lot. You save many lives. Keep it up.