Helping people find hope and community this Christmas

After leaving her abusive husband just before Christmas, Cathy found herself trying to make ends meet as a single mother to two young children. 

Cathy came to us looking for help, years of emotional abuse had left her feeling scared and alone, and she worried about being able to provide for her children. 

She says: "I experienced emotional and financial abuse at the hands of someone that was controlling but also a big part of my life, he was the father to my children. Looking back now it was coercive control" 

It took courage for Cathy to leave that situation but with no support system she was left feeling at rock bottom. But Christmas is a special time of year, when communities come together to help those in need. 

We were able to step in and help give her the support she needed, with gifts for the children and a Christmas dinner hamper, we were able to make sure Cathy could give her family everything they needed to put the past behind them and experience the joy of Christmas. 

Today, Cathy is a new person. Thanks to the friendship and community she has found she has rebuilt her confidence and is looking forward to a much brighter future.