People often ask me why i choose to Mentor? there is no other answer than i know the true pain of growing up hurting. I have spent many years carrying the weight of other's mistakes, the pain of their wrong decisions where I wasn't put first. But with guidance I found my way, many sadly don't the question of why me? is to much to bear. But the answer is simple 'It wasn't you' it was them you were just a child, an innocent child. I believe through mentoring I can share my life story, my struggles and my dreams of being something more and show young people it can be done. Along the way I have found myself in numerous abusive relationships when I was very vulnerable, the last time in 2014 when my perpetrator received a very lengthy prison sentence. Although it wasn't the first sentence, it was to be the last and the last assault I ever endured. I want my young people to have a safe space, I want them to know they do not have to endure what I did. I was a Mum of 2 when I started a new life, free from abuse.
Therapy helped, a great therapist helped me to learn a lot about myself and my journey....I was born to do this!
Through my successful mentoring, I am able to engage with a variety of young people both male and female and often with very challenging needs. The truth is the young people I have supported over the years have never left me when the mentoring has ended, because I don't give up on them. I plant seeds (thoughts that grow although actual plants have also worked during my sessions!). I am also able to offer the safe space they may be missing, a safe space to share achievements along with worries. What better way to use my painful childhood than by turning something so negative into something so positive?. All the Young people I have had the pleasure of mentoring and watching grow have left many happy memories in my heart, they all have let me in which I am so grateful for. 'In my Mentoring I aim to give 110%, my main concern is always my young person's safety and emotional development'.
My life has had a very happy ending 3 beautiful children, a loving partner and a Nan who has continued to adore me throughout my life. A Nan who showed me love and was always there to wipe my tears, along with a Godmother who was my angel - Rest in peace Nic, I did it!
If you would like to get in touch to discuss mentoring please email me on admin@domesticabusesurvivors.co.uk and i will be happy to send you a referral form