Read below one family's story of how working with Children First transformed their lives.
"Home and school are now a big thumbs up."
Things were so tough at home that Sian, the eldest daughter in the family had moved out to live with her gran.
Sian's family had a history of drug use that had led to the death of close family members. Her Mum, Clare, had struggled with her mental health for years and was using drugs because she was struggling to cope with everything.
For Sian and her two brothers, Finn and Alfie, this meant their mum couldn’t be there for them.
Clare and their dad were arguing a lot. All the children were feeling the impact of what was going on at home on their emotional wellbeing.
Finn and Alfie were both struggling to concentrate at school and Finn had run away from home several times.
The family also had money worries, putting further strain on the situation.
Children First believes that when families do well, children do well. One of the services offered by Children First in Clare’s family’s local area is a peer support group for families struggling with addiction.
When it was agreed that for Alfie and Finn’s safety it was best they stayed with Clare’s partner, Clare decided she needed to get help.
Clare shared: “It was then that I realised I had hit rock-bottom. I needed to make a change. That’s when I contacted Children First through one of their peer support groups.
“I said to Laura at Children First - I don’t know how to parent any more. She helped me learn how again. But first of all, I knew I needed to stop self-medicating with drugs. Laura saved my life. She supported me to get the help I needed from the GP with my mental health.
I was a shouty parent but I’m not now. I’ve learnt how to control my emotions and the way I respond more and to be there for my kids.”
Clare’s project worker Laura provided ongoing support to Clare to become more emotionally responsive as a parent and to keep her children safe while she stopped using drugs.
Laura also worked with Clare and her partner to improve how they co-parented and to understand the impact their arguments had on the children. A peer-support worker who had lived experience of addiction also provided vital support to Clare.
Laura worked one on one with Alfie and Finn and with the whole family to ensure the boys voices were heard by their mum and dad, so they could understand how unsafe the situation at home had made them feel.
The family were also helped to ensure they had the benefits they were entitled to which helped hugely with their finances. Fun holiday activities provided by Children First meant precious family time could be enjoyed by the children and their parents.
Clare said: “Working with Children First has changed our lives completely. The children have their mum back. My kids were scared of me, but now I know they feel happy and loved. They know they can talk to me, and they have the biggest smiles on their faces and hugs for me when I walk in the room.
“My eldest child is now back living with us too and on her way to college. My sons are both doing well at school. Being a family again means everything.
“The amount of love and care we had from Children First was amazing. I’d recommend them to anyone. They can help and they will never judge you. Our lives are better now than ever.”
Clare’s eldest son shared that thanks to Children First, “school and home is a big thumbs up.”
Clare is now volunteering with Children First and using her experience to support other families.
“My kids are amazing. I’m so proud of where we’re at now. Our family wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for Laura and Children First,” Clare said.
*Names have been changed to protect the anonymity of the family.