Our staff, their stories
Trigger warning: Daniella’s* story features themes of abuse.
“I started feeling depressed and anxious when I was 15 but didn’t recognise what is was so went for years without any support. When I tried to reach out I was unfortunate enough to only find myself misunderstood by professionals meaning I felt very alone.
I got into a relationship with a man a few years older when I was 18 and what started out as lovely turned abusive very quickly. I was completely manipulated by him and was convinced my family didn’t love me and that he, and the abuse, was all I deserved.
The abuse continued for a few years until I finally had enough and sought help from police to remove him from my home. This was during the covid lockdown.
I was left distraught. He had taken my money, my confidence, left me with physical injuries and severe psychological damage. I received food boxes from my local food bank, while I recovered my finances and got things in order.
I was unable to leave my place of living without fear of being targeted out and about. I got help from a private counsellor who tailored their service to meet my needs and what I enjoyed doing to help me work through the trauma I experienced and aid me in my recovery.
I moved to Andover in 2022 and was lucky enough to find a place to work that welcomed me and my history with open arms. I feel so fortunate to have such lovely colleagues and service users and I am happier than I’ve been in what feels like forever.
Of course there is still a challenging day here and there but I now have the tools and support to manage well.”
*All names have been changed for Daniella’s story as they would like to be kept anonymous.
More blog articles
