LOVE HOPE FREEDOM
supports women who are at risk or have experienced multiple disadvantages (including addiction, homelessness and mental ill health), are socially isolated, involved in street sex work and fear the consequences of accessing support (criminalisation, repercussions from perpetrators, having children removed into care or being stigmatised). Through advocacy, proactive outreach and therapy women are empowered to address the abuse, harm and exploitation they experience.
Evidence shows that for many boys anger is the only acceptable emotion which is often used to cover a more powerful emotion such as sadness or shame. Being encouraged to suppress all other emotions can interrupt the emotional development of boys which can have a huge negative impact on their mental health. In general men report less depression than women but complete suicide at a much higher rate. There is a huge need for boys to be taught how to safely express all their emotions not only their anger.
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Through working in partnership with Dr Helen Williams of Sunderland University, a report has been pulled together to highlight the need for this work. This provides the evidence needed to strengthen our plans for a boy’s pilot to address this need.
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Please click the link to read the report:
PROFESSIONAL FEEDBACK
"Brothers who were extremely chaotic, are now settled and calm in the sessions"
Ann* was referred experiencing a number of issues including, drug addiction, mental health issues, homelessness and having trouble with family relationships.
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Ann disclosed that she had been sexually assaulted, not only was she suffering from this trauma but was pregnant and had contracted a sexually transmitted infection.
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Ann made the difficult decision to go ahead with the pregnancy and was supported throughout this. The focus became on reducing her drug use, ensuring she sustained her own tenancy and keeping it a safe space.
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Support was given to improve Ann's health and making positive changes to her general lifestyle.
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Ann continued to engage and made significant improvements during this time, including exiting sex work, greatly reducing her drug use. Sadly, Ann was diagnosed with PTSD and her baby was removed from her care.
CASE STUDY
Updated August 2024