After a relationship breakdown with her mum, Sammi was offered a place to stay with her aunt. However, with seven children already living there, this quickly became overwhelming. Just one month later, Sammi found herself with nowhere to call home.
After discovering her brother had once received support from DENS, Sammi turned to The Elms hostel. There, she accessed the Crash Pad’s emergency overnight accommodation, before being offered a room at the hostel, where she stayed for six weeks.
Sammi recalls how on arrival at The Elms she was an entirely different person from who she is now. “I was on the verge of a mental breakdown, suffering really badly with depression and anxiety. I couldn’t get out of bed, I wouldn’t speak to anyone, I couldn’t do anything. I was so scared.”
This began to change with the help of DENS’ Move On and Therapy services. The Move On service, where clients learn to live independently in shared accommodation, was a “life saver.” Sammi explains, “My Key Worker helped me build my confidence and supported me with managing day-to-day life skills, like setting up my bills and learning how to cook.”
However, it was the one-to-one therapy that proved to be the turning point in Sammi’s life. Sammi’s therapist played a crucial part in her personal growth, becoming someone she felt she could confide in and trust. Their guidance and support helped Sammi to unlock her potential and recognise her strengths and capabilities. “If it wasn’t for my therapist, I wouldn’t be where I am today. She is literally my saviour”.
Therapy gave Sammi the courage to step outside of her comfort zone and do things her former self would not have – such as joining Flourish, DENS’ therapy group. While hesitant at first, Sammi believes it “is the best thing” she has ever done. Surrounded by others who shared similar experiences, group therapy made her feel understood and no longer alone. This sense of community allowed Sammi to build relationships she still cherishes today, giving her “friends for life.”
Today, Sammi is living independently and has come a long way since her time at DENS. Inspired by the progress she has made, Sammi has taken the steps to pursue a career as a teaching assistant, where she hopes to support children going through their own struggles.
Reflecting on her journey, Sammi is so proud of the person she has become. “The support I received has changed me completely – from a scared girl to a confident woman. DENS has transformed my life.”
We are amazed by Sammi’s strength and the life-changing progress she has made. We are honoured to have been part of her journey, and we will always be there for Sammi if she ever needs our support.
Story published 29th November 2024.