Catrin’s Story...

WHEN I started with GISDA I was living in a tiny one bedroomed flat. I was 7 months pregnant and had just escaped from a very violent relationship. My child was on the child protection register before he was even born due to the relationship I was in. I felt really low at this point and was very nervous about becoming a single mother as my eldest son was already under my mother’s care and I hadn’t seen my eldest for the first 18 months of his life due to the violent relationship.

My relationship with my family was non-existent and I didn’t have anyone to talk to. I was offered a tenancy at a GISDA family hostel when my child was 5 weeks old. I had weekly visits from my keyworker which gave me someone to talk to and someone to support me through core groups, case conferences regarding my child being on the child protection register. I was still very vulnerable and lonely at this point which resulted in me getting into a relationship with an older man. This nearly ended up in me getting back into the same domestic violence cycle, but support from GISDA and being referred to Woman’s Aid to complete the Freedom Program allowed me to realise what was important, me and my boys and I got myself out of the relationship.

I concentrated on myself, my children and my family, it was decided that the youngest child no longer needed to be on the child protection register, this was a very proud moment in my life.

I have regular contact and built up an amazing relationship with my eldest son. The relationship with my family has improved and we have tea together every Friday night. I’ve moved into my own home and no longer require support. I couldn’t be happier; I’ve found myself and who I want to be. I’m also in the middle of getting full custody of my eldest child. I’m at a very high point in my life and without GISDA’s support I wouldn’t be where I am today